Virginia Giuffre’s Family Reacts to Prince Andrew Giving Up His Royal Titles — and Shares a Message for King Charles
Virginia Giuffre’s family has spoken publicly for the first time following Prince Andrew’s shocking announcement that he will no longer use his royal titles and honors. The move, which comes after years of scrutiny surrounding the Duke of York’s association with Jeffrey Epstein, has reopened emotional wounds for those connected to the case — and prompted Virginia’s loved ones to issue a heartfelt appeal to King Charles himself.
According to sources close to the family, Virginia’s relatives have expressed a mix of relief and quiet skepticism. They see Andrew’s decision as a long overdue acknowledgment of accountability but also believe that symbolic gestures are not enough. “It’s a start,” said one family insider. “But what matters most now is transparency and truth. The titles don’t erase what happened or the pain that’s still there.”
Prince Andrew’s announcement, delivered through Buckingham Palace last Friday, stated that he would stop using his royal styles and honors to “allow the Crown to focus fully on its work.” The message appeared to be a conscious effort to close one of the most controversial chapters in modern royal history — one that has deeply affected the image of the monarchy since 2019.
Virginia Giuffre, who has long maintained that she was trafficked by Epstein and claimed she was forced into encounters with Prince Andrew when she was underage, settled her lawsuit against the Duke in 2022 for an undisclosed sum. The settlement did not include an admission of guilt, and Andrew has consistently denied all allegations, insisting he has “no recollection” of meeting her despite the now-infamous photo showing the two together alongside Ghislaine Maxwell.
For Virginia’s family, however, this latest development feels bittersweet. “This decision should have come years ago,” one relative said in an interview. “It’s painful to think how much damage was done — not just to Virginia, but to the people who looked up to the royal family and saw them as symbols of morality.”
They also directed a message toward King Charles, urging him to prioritize compassion and integrity in his leadership. “We hope His Majesty will take this opportunity to set an example of empathy and healing,” the family’s statement read. “No one is asking for vengeance. We’re asking for acknowledgment. People still need to believe that accountability exists at every level — even in palaces.”
Buckingham Palace has declined to comment directly on the family’s remarks but confirmed that the King had been “kept fully informed” of his brother’s decision and supported the move “in the best interests of the monarchy.” Insiders close to the Palace say Charles wants to focus on moving the institution forward with renewed credibility, while ensuring that private matters no longer overshadow his reign.
Those familiar with Andrew’s current life say he’s been living quietly at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, away from the spotlight and public duties. Friends describe him as deeply isolated but still loyal to his family. “He knows there’s no going back,” said one source. “All he can do now is live quietly and try to find some peace.”
Virginia Giuffre herself has remained largely silent in recent months, focusing instead on her advocacy for victims of trafficking and abuse. Her foundation continues to work with survivors worldwide, using her experience as both a cautionary tale and a source of empowerment. Still, those close to her say that news about Prince Andrew inevitably reopens old wounds. “It’s impossible not to feel it,” a friend shared. “Every headline brings back memories of what she endured. But she’s strong, and she’s determined to make sure something good comes from all this.”
In the broader picture, Andrew’s decision represents more than just a personal choice — it’s a symbolic moment for a royal family long burdened by scandal. For King Charles, it’s another test of leadership in a reign already defined by modern pressures and public expectations. For Virginia’s family, it’s a reminder that healing is a process — one that requires not just gestures, but genuine accountability.
As one relative poignantly put it, “You can give up a title, but what truly matters is giving back dignity — to those who lost it because of silence.”
