🔗 Share this article

The historic declaration from Buckingham Palace stripping Prince Andrew of his royal status is seen as an "acknowledgment" that events happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

In its announcement on Thursday, the palace said that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will additionally leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

Their announcement concluded with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their considerations and utmost empathy are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and those who endured of any and all forms of abuse.”

Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Questioned whether the statement suggested that King Charles trusts Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “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.

“This is an admission that something occurred, something has happened. We are witnessing a change,” he noted.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is huge. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this situation is an affirmation that wrongdoing did occur.

“It is the very first step for that justice for survivors. It is first the acknowledgment that something went on here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”

In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away recently – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. He has consistently refuted any misconduct. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of liability.

Amanda described the announcement by the palace as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We’re just so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because you wish she was here to share this moment alongside her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she added.

Support Organizations Respond: Powerful Message for Victims

Women’s rights campaigners and advocacy groups also applauded the decision by the monarchy, with several indicating it sent an vital signal to survivors of assault.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see survivors acknowledged so explicitly in a announcement from the palace”, noting that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their experiences are believed, and that they deserve to be at the heart of national discussions about mistreatment”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a welcome recognition that the true sufferers here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by privileged, prejudiced men.”

However, she added: “Removing a honor, or relocating can never be viewed as true accountability or adequate consequence. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the profound impact abuse has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Describing Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could also be cheeky and goofy.

“Here we have an regular individual from an typical background that achieved something extraordinary and in my opinion this is something the global community ought to be proud of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and now we are at last getting that acknowledgment that she truly was a world hero.”

The palace offered no response.