The momentous declaration from the royal household stripping Prince Andrew of his title is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that events happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.
Through its announcement on the specified day, the palace said that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will also leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.
Their announcement concluded with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their considerations and deepest sympathies have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
Questioned whether the statement suggested that the monarch believes Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, in my view that he’s speaking distinctly in that announcement 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.
A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is significant. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and recognizing that there are survivors in this case is an affirmation that wrongdoing did occur.
“This represents the initial step for that resolution for those impacted. It is first the admission that something went on here. There was real trauma that happened to these adolescent females.”
In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died recently – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with the prince on multiple instances. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of liability.
She described the announcement by the palace as a “victory” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.
“We are so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because you wish she could be present to experience 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 applauded the move by the royal family, with some indicating it conveyed an vital message to survivors of abuse.
A representative, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a statement from the royal household”, noting that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are believed, and that they merit to be at the heart of public discussions about mistreatment”.
Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a positive acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by privileged, misogynistic men.”
However, she added: “Removing a honor, or relocating can never be considered genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the deep effect abuse has on female victims.”
Portraying Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could also be playful and goofy.
“This is an ordinary girl from an typical background that did something extraordinary and I think that is something the world ought to be admiring of.
“She was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and we are at last getting that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a global icon.”
The palace offered no response.
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