🔗 Share this article

This momentous declaration from Buckingham Palace removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is seen as an "acknowledgment" that something occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

In its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment said that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will also vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

Their announcement ended with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest empathy are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and those who endured of every forms of mistreatment.”

Family Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Asked whether this suggested that the monarch trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, I think that his words convey distinctly in that announcement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“This is an admission that something occurred, incidents transpired. There has been a change,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is huge. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this situation is an affirmation that abuse took place.

“This represents the very first step for that justice for those impacted. It is first the acknowledgment that something went on here. This involved real trauma that happened to these adolescent females.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away recently – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. The Duke has always denied any misconduct. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of liability.

Amanda characterized the announcement by the palace as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We are extremely proud of her, but then the sadness hits because one hopes she was here to share this occasion alongside her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she added.

Support Organizations Respond: Significant Statement for Victims

Gender equality campaigners and support organizations likewise applauded the move by the royal family, with several saying it conveyed an important message to those affected of assault.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors acknowledged so explicitly in a announcement from the palace”, adding that it sent a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are trusted, and that they merit to be at the heart of public conversations about mistreatment”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a positive acknowledgment that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, prejudiced men.”

However, 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 passed away. This was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the deep effect sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be cheeky and goofy.

“This is an regular individual from an typical background that did something extraordinary and in my opinion that is something the world should be admiring of.

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and we are finally receiving that acknowledgment that she truly was a world hero.”

Royal officials declined to comment.