🔗 Share this article

The momentous declaration from Buckingham Palace removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that events occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

In its statement on the specified day, the royal establishment indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will also leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

The statement concluded with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their considerations and utmost empathy have been and will remain with the affected individuals and those who endured of every forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Accountability

Questioned whether this suggested that King Charles believes Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, in my view that his words convey very clearly in that statement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that events took place, something has happened. There has been a shift,” he noted.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is huge. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this situation is an affirmation that abuse took place.

“This represents the initial step for that justice for those impacted. Primarily the admission that events unfolded here. This involved real trauma that affected these young girls.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away recently – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with the prince on three separate occasions. He has always denied any misconduct. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of liability.

Amanda described the statement by the palace as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We’re just extremely proud of her, but then the sorrow hits because you wish she could be present to experience this moment alongside her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Support Organizations Respond: Powerful Statement for Victims

Gender equality advocates and advocacy groups also welcomed the decision by the monarchy, with some saying it conveyed an important signal to those affected of assault.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see survivors recognised so directly in a statement from the palace”, noting that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they merit to be at the heart of national conversations about mistreatment”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a positive recognition that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were abused by entitled, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Removing a honor, or moving house can not be viewed as genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a devastating event, and a indication of the deep effect sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could also be playful and humorous.

“Here we have an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that achieved something extraordinary and in my opinion this is something the world should be proud of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and now we are at last getting that acknowledgment that she truly was a world hero.”

The palace offered no response.