Palace’s statement on Andrew is ‘vindication’ for Virginia Giuffre, says her family | Andrew Mountbatten Windsor
Buckingham Palace’s historic announcement stripping Andrew Mountbatten of Windsor’s title was an “admission” that something had happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family told the Guardian.
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor (as he is now known) will also leave his mansion at Windsor Royal Lodge as his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to spark controversy, the palace announced on Thursday.
The statement concluded: “Her Majesty wishes to make it clear that her thoughts and utmost sympathies are and will remain with the victims and survivors of all forms of abuse.”
Asked if this showed King Charles had more faith in Virginia than Andrew, his brother Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, I think he was very clear in that statement when he said he was on the side of the survivors there.
“It’s an acknowledgment that something has happened, something has happened. There has been a change,” he said.
Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To offer this thank you to survivors is huge. We haven’t seen this from anyone, and acknowledging that there are survivors in this situation is an acknowledgment that abuse occurred.”
“This is the first step in getting justice for the survivors. First, there needs to be an acknowledgment that something happened here. There’s real trauma that’s happened to these young girls.”
Giuffre, who died earlier this year, repeated claims in her posthumous memoir that she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions in her youth. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre for a reported £12 million, without admitting any liability.
Amanda called the palace’s statement a “victory” and “our brother’s vindication.”
“We’re extremely proud of her, but then comes the sadness because you wish she was here to share this moment with her – it’s a moment she’s been waiting for so long,” he added.
Women’s rights advocates and advocacy groups also welcomed the royal family’s move; some said it sent an important message to survivors of abuse.
Gemma Sherrington, Refuge’s chief executive, said it was “incredibly powerful to have such direct recognition of survivors in a statement from the palace”, adding that it sent “the message that survivors matter, their experiences are believed and they deserve to be at the center of national discussions about abuse”.
Penny East, chief executive of the Fawcett Society, said: “It is a welcome development to recognize that the real victims here are not disgraced politicians or disgraced princes, but women and girls sexually assaulted by entitled, misogynistic men.”
But he added: “Removing a title deed or moving house can never be seen as real responsibility or sufficient punishment. Virginia Giuffre, a truly brave woman, has lost her life. This was a terrible tragedy and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault can have on women and girls.”
Describing Giuffre’s character and her fight for justice, Sky said that she is a “strong warrior” who can also be arrogant and foolish.
“This is an ordinary girl from an ordinary family who did something extraordinary, and I think that’s something the world should be proud of.
“He was a powerful warrior who refused to back down and refused to remain silent, and we finally get recognition that he truly was a world hero.”
The Palace declined to comment.
in the United Kingdom, Rape Crisis It offers support for rape and sexual abuse on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales and 0808 801 0302 in Wales. Scotlandor 0800 0246 991 Northern Ireland. in the USA, Rain Offers support at 800-656-4673. Support in Australia is available at: 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be reached at: ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html
