Virginia Giuffre‘s family is speaking out following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor‘s arrest, years after she accused the former prince of sexual abuse.
“At last,” read a statement from Sky and Amanda Roberts and Danny and Lanette Wilson on Thursday, February 19, per the Today show. “Today our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty. On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the Thames Valley Police for the investigation and arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.”
The statement continued: “He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.”
Giuffre’s lawyer, David Boies, also shared a statement to Us Weekly on Thursday regarding the arrest.
“This is an important step towards justice for Epstein’s victims and accountability for their abusers,” he said. “Hopefully there are many more steps to come.”
News broke on Thursday that Andrew, 66, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office. According to the BBC, the arrest took place at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, where Andrew moved after leaving his Windsor residence.
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“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright noted in a statement. “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offense. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
In 2019, Giuffre alleged she was sexually assaulted by Andrew when she was 17 after being allegedly trafficked by the late Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew denied the allegations, claiming in a 2019 interview that he had “no recollection of ever meeting this lady, none whatsoever.”
Andrew later stepped back from his royal duties. In 2022, Giuffre settled her lawsuit against Andrew out of court for an undisclosed amount.
Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025 at the age of 41.
“Virginia was a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse and sex trafficking. She was the light that lifted so many survivors. Despite all the adversity she faced in her life, she shone so bright. She will be missed beyond measure. The light of her life were her children Christian, Noah, and Emily” read a statement from her family, who added that Giuffre “was heroic and will always be remembered for her incredible courage and loving spirit.”
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Later that year, Andrew officially gave up his royal title, denying the allegations against him once again. More shocking claims were revealed in Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, Nobody’s Girl, which further detailed Andrew’s alleged connections to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
In the weeks leading up to Andrew’s arrest, his ties to Epstein made headlines once again as emails, photos and more were released as part of the Epstein files. King Charles III addressed his brother’s arrest in a statement from Buckingham Palace on Thursday.
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation,” the statement read. “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”
The king added: “As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is a human trafficking victim, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
