Royal Announcement on Andrew Viewed as 'Vindication' for Giuffre, Says Her Family

The historic declaration from Buckingham Palace removing Prince Andrew of his royal status is seen as an "recognition" that something happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

In its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will additionally vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

Their announcement concluded with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their considerations and utmost empathy have been and will remain with the victims and those who endured of any and all forms of abuse.”

Family Reaction: Acknowledgment and Accountability

Asked whether this implied that the monarch trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, in my view that his words convey distinctly in that announcement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an admission that something occurred, something has happened. We are witnessing a change,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is huge. We haven’t seen that from other parties, and recognizing that there are survivors in this case is an affirmation that abuse took place.

“It is the initial step for that justice for those impacted. Primarily the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”

In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died recently – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any misconduct. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of responsibility.

Amanda characterized the announcement by the royal family as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We’re just so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sadness hits because you wish she was here to experience this occasion alongside her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she added.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Powerful Message for Victims

Women’s rights campaigners and advocacy groups likewise welcomed the decision by the monarchy, with some saying it conveyed an important message to those affected of abuse.

Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so directly in a announcement from the royal household”, noting that it sent a signal that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they merit to be at the heart of public discussions about mistreatment”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a welcome recognition that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by privileged, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she continued: “Removing a title, or relocating can not be viewed as genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. In fact, a courageous individual, 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.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

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

“This is an regular individual from an ordinary family that achieved something remarkable and I think this is something the world ought to be admiring of.

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and we are finally receiving that recognition that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace declined to comment.