Virginia Giuffre's family has spoken out following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, saying their "broken hearts have been lifted" in a moment they believe affirms that accountability applies to everyone.
Virginia Roberts Giuffre did not live to see the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. But on Thursday, as news broke that the former prince had been taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office, her family made clear that the moment carried deep meaning for them.
As previously reported, Andrew was arrested as part of the ongoing investigation connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Thames Valley Police confirmed he was taken into custody, marking a dramatic development in a scandal that has spanned years.
Shortly after the announcement, Giuffre's siblings released a public statement expressing both emotion and resolve.
"At last," the statement began. "Today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty."
The words were brief, but powerful.
"He Was Never a Prince"
The statement was issued by Sky and Amanda Roberts and Danny and Lanette Wilson, Giuffre's siblings and their spouses. They expressed gratitude to UK authorities for pursuing the investigation.
"On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the UK's Thames Valley Police for their investigation and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor," they said.
Then came a pointed line that quickly circulated across international media outlets: "He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you."
Giuffre, who died by suicide last year, had long alleged that she was trafficked by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions, including when she was 17 years old. For readers seeking more background on her life and the controversy that surrounded the case, you can read our earlier feature here: Who Was Virginia Giuffre?
Andrew has consistently and strongly denied the allegations.
In 2022, he agreed to pay a reported multimillion-dollar settlement to resolve a civil sexual assault lawsuit filed by Giuffre in New York. The settlement included no admission of wrongdoing. Despite his denials, the controversy led to him being stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages.
A Posthumous Chapter in a Long Legal Battle
The arrest comes months after the posthumous publication of Giuffre's memoir, Nobody's Girl, which detailed her account of being trafficked by Epstein and described the alleged encounters involving Andrew. The book renewed public attention and intensified calls for accountability.
Following the memoir's release, Andrew was stripped of his remaining royal titles. Public scrutiny once again turned toward the long-running legal saga and the broader questions surrounding power and justice.
For her family, Thursday's announcement was not simply another headline. It was deeply personal.
Their statement suggests that the arrest represents validation after years of public debate, legal maneuvering, and emotional strain. While authorities have not yet announced whether formal charges will follow, the symbolism of the arrest was clear in the family's words.
A Message to Survivors
The family's closing statement shifted the focus beyond their own grief.
"For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you."
It is a message that underscores the wider impact of Giuffre's decision to come forward years ago. Her allegations became central to one of the most high-profile scandals involving the British royal family, drawing international attention to issues of trafficking, abuse, and accountability.
Though Giuffre did not live to see this latest development, her family believes her voice continues to resonate.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remains in custody as investigations continue. Further details are expected in the coming days.
For now, her family says their hearts, long burdened by loss, feel lighter.
"No one is above the law," they wrote.
