Royal Announcement on Andrew Viewed as 'Justification' for Giuffre, States Her Family
The historic declaration from Buckingham Palace removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is regarded as an "recognition" that events occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.
In its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment said that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will additionally vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.
Their announcement concluded with: “Their majesties wish to make clear 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 mistreatment.”
Relatives Reaction: Acknowledgment and Accountability
Asked whether this 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 states he’s with those affected out there.
“It’s 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 victims is significant. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this case is an affirmation that wrongdoing took place.
“This represents the initial step for that resolution for those impacted. It is first the acknowledgment that something went on here. This involved real trauma that happened to these adolescent females.”
Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of liability.
She described the statement by the royal family as a “victory” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.
“We’re just so exceptionally proud of her, but then the sadness strikes because one hopes she could be present to experience this occasion together with her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she continued.
Advocacy Groups React: Powerful Statement for Survivors
Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups also applauded the move by the royal family, with some indicating it sent an vital signal to survivors of abuse.
Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so directly in a statement from the palace”, noting that it delivered a message that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are believed, and that they merit to be at the heart of public discussions about mistreatment”.
Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a welcome recognition that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the females who were abused by privileged, prejudiced men.”
However, she added: “Stripping a honor, or relocating can not be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the deep effect sexual assault has on women and girls.”
Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"
Portraying Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be cheeky and humorous.
“This is an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that did something extraordinary and I think this is something the global community ought to be proud of.
“She was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and we are finally getting that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a world hero.”
The palace declined to comment.
