🔗 Share this article

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

In its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will additionally vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

The statement ended with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their considerations and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the victims and those who endured of every forms of abuse.”

Relatives Reaction: Acknowledgment and Justice

Questioned whether the statement suggested that the monarch believes Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, I think that his words convey distinctly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

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

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is significant. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an affirmation that wrongdoing did occur.

“It is the very first step for that justice for those impacted. It is first the acknowledgment that something went on here. There was genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”

In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with the prince on multiple instances. The Duke has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of liability.

She characterized the statement by the palace as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We are extremely admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because you wish she was here to experience this occasion alongside her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she added.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Powerful Message for Victims

Gender equality advocates and advocacy groups also applauded the decision by the royal family, with several indicating it conveyed an important message to survivors of abuse.

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see victims recognised so explicitly in a statement from the palace”, adding that it sent a message that “victims are important, that their ordeals are believed, and that they merit to be at the heart of national conversations about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, 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 women and girls who were abused by entitled, prejudiced men.”

However, she continued: “Removing a title, or moving house can never be viewed as genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could also be playful and humorous.

“Here we have an ordinary girl from an typical background that did something extraordinary and I think this is something the world ought to be proud of.

“She was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and we are finally getting that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a world hero.”

Royal officials declined to comment.