Palace Announcement on Andrew Seen as 'Vindication' for Virginia Giuffre, Says Her Family
The momentous declaration from Buckingham Palace removing Prince Andrew of his royal status is seen as an "acknowledgment" that something happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.
Through its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will also leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.
The statement ended with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their considerations and utmost empathy are and will continue to be with the victims and survivors of every forms of abuse.”
Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Justice
Questioned whether this suggested that the monarch believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, I think that he’s speaking very clearly in that announcement when he states he’s with survivors out there.
“This is an admission that something occurred, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a shift,” he added.
Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is huge. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this situation is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing took place.
“This represents the initial step for that resolution for those impacted. Primarily the admission that events unfolded here. This involved genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”
In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had sex with the prince on multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of responsibility.
Amanda characterized the statement by the royal family as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.
“We are so exceptionally proud of her, but then the sorrow hits because one hopes she could be present to share this occasion together with her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she continued.
Advocacy Groups Respond: Significant Message for Survivors
Gender equality advocates and support organizations likewise applauded the move by the royal family, with some saying it conveyed an vital message to survivors of abuse.
Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims acknowledged so directly in a announcement from the palace”, adding that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they merit to be at the center of public discussions about abuse”.
Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a positive acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by entitled, prejudiced men.”
However, she continued: “Removing a title, or moving house can not be viewed as genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a devastating event, and a reminder of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”
Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"
Portraying Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be playful and goofy.
“This is an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that did something remarkable and I think that is something the global community ought to be admiring of.
“Giuffre was this strong warrior who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and now we are finally receiving that acknowledgment that she truly was a world hero.”
The palace declined to comment.
