This story contains references to sexual assault and suicide.
Virginia Giuffre’s family has declared “victory” as former prince Andrew Windsor’s fall from grace was sealed, and they want the same accountability for all abusers connected to notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In a statement released by Giuffre’s family and published by the BBC, they said Giuffre was an “ordinary” girl who “never stopped fighting for accountability”.
“Today, an ordinary American girl from an ordinary American family brought down a British prince with her truth and extraordinary courage,” they said.
The revelations led to Andrew renouncing his Duke of York title, and questions in British parliament about his rent-free accommodation at his Windsor mansion, Royal Lodge. Andrew has denied allegations of assault.
Prince Andrew (left), seen here with his older brother King Charles, will surrender his lease at his mansion but will remain in the line of succession for the throne. Source: AP / Joanna Chan
Giuffre’s family say they will ‘continue her battle’
The statement was released by Sky Roberts and Danny Wilson, Virginia’s brothers, and Amanda Roberts and Annette Wilson, her sisters-in-law.
“Virginia Roberts Giuffre, our sister, a child when she was sexually assaulted by Andrew, never stopped fighting for accountability for what had happened to her and to countless other survivors like her,” they said.
“Today, she declares victory. We, her family, along with her survivor sisters, continue Virginia’s battle and will not rest until the same accountability applies to all of the abusers and abetters connected to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.”
Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on multiple charges, including sex trafficking. His death was ruled a suicide. Maxwell was jailed for 20 years in the US in 2022 for conspiring with Epstein to sexually abuse minors.
“By continuously being gaslit by the UK government, UK metro police, US government here, it was a kick in the stomach to her that every time she would get to the point of justice, someone from the side would come in and dismiss her claims,” he told the UK’s Channel 4 in late October.
“Now the public is coming forward and saying, ‘No, there’s just too much substantial evidence here, it stinks of a cover-up.'”
Where will Andrew live?
Andrew will move to a private property at Sandringham House, according to the BBC.
Unlike Royal Lodge, Sandringham is a private property of the royal family, and not owned by the Crown Estate.
Located in Norfolk in the east of England, Sandringham House is where the Windsor family spend their Christmas holidays.
According to a profile of Sandringham House by Town and Country Magazine, the 8,000-hectare estate was acquired in 1862 by the royal family.
Sandringham is frequently used by King Charles for meetings with world leaders, and was where he entertained Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a summit in March this year.
The lavish interior of Sandringham House, where King Charles has met with world leaders such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Source: AAP / Joe Giddens
Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, will also move out of Royal Lodge, according to the BBC.
Andrew remains eighth in line for the throne.
If allegations set out in this story raise issues for you, or you or someone you know needs support, you can seek 24-hour help by calling 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visiting 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Readers seeking crisis support can ring Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged up to 25). More information and support with mental health is available at beyondblue.org.au and on 1300 22 4636.
