This momentous declaration from Buckingham Palace removing Prince Andrew of his title is seen as an "recognition" that events occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.
In its announcement on the specified day, the palace indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will also leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.
Their announcement concluded with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest sympathies have been and will remain with the victims and those who endured of every forms of mistreatment.”
Questioned whether the statement 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 states he’s with survivors out there.
“This is an admission that something occurred, something has happened. We are witnessing a change,” he added.
Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is huge. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this case is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing took place.
“It is the initial step for that justice for survivors. It is first the admission that events unfolded here. This involved genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”
In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had sex with the prince on multiple instances. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of liability.
Amanda characterized the announcement by the palace as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.
“We’re just so exceptionally proud of her, but then the sadness hits because you wish she could be present to share this occasion together with her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she continued.
Gender equality advocates and support organizations also welcomed the decision by the royal family, with several saying it conveyed an important message to those affected of abuse.
A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors acknowledged so directly in a announcement from the royal household”, noting that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they merit to be at the center of public discussions about mistreatment”.
Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a welcome acknowledgment that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by privileged, prejudiced men.”
However, she added: “Removing a honor, or relocating can not be viewed as true accountability or adequate consequence. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a devastating event, and a indication of the profound impact sexual assault has on female victims.”
Portraying Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be playful and humorous.
“Here we have an regular individual from an typical background that achieved something remarkable and in my opinion this is something the global community ought to be admiring of.
“Giuffre was this strong warrior who refused to back down and spoke out courageously and we are finally getting that recognition that she indeed represented a global icon.”
Royal officials declined to comment.
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