The historic statement from the royal household removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is regarded as an "recognition" that events happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.
Through its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will also vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.
The statement ended with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of mistreatment.”
Family Response: Recognition and Justice
Asked whether this suggested that King Charles believes Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, I think that his words convey distinctly in that statement when he states he’s with survivors out there.
“This is an acknowledgment that something occurred, 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. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this situation is an affirmation that abuse did occur.
“It is the initial step for that resolution for survivors. Primarily the admission that something went on here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”
In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of responsibility.
Amanda characterized the announcement by the palace as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.
“We are so exceptionally proud of her, but then the sadness hits because one hopes she was here to share this moment alongside her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she continued.
Support Organizations React: Significant Message for Victims
Women’s rights campaigners and advocacy groups likewise applauded the decision by the royal family, with some indicating it sent an vital signal to survivors of assault.
A representative, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see victims recognised so explicitly in a announcement from the royal household”, noting that it delivered a message that “victims are important, that their experiences are trusted, and that they merit to be at the center of public discussions about abuse”.
Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a welcome acknowledgment that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were abused by entitled, prejudiced men.”
However, she added: “Stripping a honor, or moving house can not be considered true accountability or sufficient punishment. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the profound impact abuse has on women and girls.”
Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"
Portraying Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be cheeky and goofy.
“This is an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that achieved something remarkable and I think this is something the global community ought to be admiring of.
“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and we are at last getting that recognition that she truly was a global icon.”
Royal officials offered no response.
