🔗 Share this article

The historic statement from Buckingham Palace removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "acknowledgment" that events occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.

In its announcement on the specified day, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will also vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.

Their announcement concluded with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their considerations and deepest sympathies have been and will remain with the affected individuals and those who endured of any and all forms of abuse.”

Relatives Reaction: Acknowledgment and Justice

Asked whether the statement suggested that the monarch believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, in my view that his words convey very clearly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“This is an admission that events took place, something has happened. We are witnessing a shift,” he noted.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is significant. We haven’t seen that from other parties, and recognizing that there are survivors in this situation is an acknowledgment that abuse did occur.

“This represents the very first step for that justice for those impacted. It is first the admission that something went on here. There was real trauma that affected these adolescent females.”

In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of liability.

Amanda described the announcement by the palace as a “victory” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We’re just so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sorrow strikes because one hopes she was here to experience this occasion together with her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Support Organizations Respond: Powerful Message for Survivors

Women’s rights advocates and support organizations likewise welcomed the decision by the royal family, with some saying it sent an vital message to survivors of assault.

Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so explicitly in a announcement from the palace”, adding that it delivered a message that “victims are important, that their experiences are believed, and that they deserve to be at the center of public conversations about abuse”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a positive acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the females who were abused by entitled, misogynistic men.”

However, she added: “Stripping a title, or moving house can never be considered true accountability or sufficient punishment. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could also be playful and humorous.

“This is an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that achieved something extraordinary and I think this is something the world ought to be proud of.

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

Royal officials offered no response.