🔗 Share this article

This momentous declaration from the royal household removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is regarded as an "recognition" that something happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

In its statement on the specified day, the palace indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will also leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.

Their announcement ended with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their considerations and utmost sympathies are and will continue to be with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Asked whether this implied that the monarch believes Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, in my view that his words convey distinctly in that statement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an acknowledgment that events took place, something has happened. There has been a change,” he noted.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is huge. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this situation is an affirmation that wrongdoing did occur.

“It is the very first step for that resolution for survivors. It is first the admission that events unfolded here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of responsibility.

She described the announcement by the palace as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We are extremely proud of her, but then the sorrow strikes because one hopes she could be present to share this moment alongside her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Support Organizations React: Powerful Message for Victims

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

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see victims acknowledged so directly in a statement from the royal household”, adding that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they merit to be at the center of national discussions about abuse”.

Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a positive recognition that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she continued: “Stripping a honor, or relocating can not be viewed as genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a devastating event, and a reminder of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could also be cheeky and goofy.

“This is an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that did something remarkable and I think this is something the world should be admiring of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and now we are finally getting that recognition that she truly was a world hero.”

Royal officials offered no response.