The family of the late Virginia Roberts Giuffre released a poignant statement Thursday expressing profound relief and gratitude following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein’s most prominent accusers who alleged sexual abuse by the disgraced royal when she was a teenager, died by suicide in April 2025 at age 41. Her siblings and their spouses described the news as a long-awaited vindication that “lifted” their broken hearts, underscoring the enduring impact of her advocacy for survivors.

In the statement shared with multiple outlets including CBS News, Page Six, and People, Giuffre’s siblings Sky and Amanda Roberts, along with Danny and Lanette Wilson, wrote: “At last, 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 U.K.’s Thames Valley Police for their investigation, and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.”

The words carry heavy emotional weight. Giuffre’s family has remained largely private since her death, which came amid ongoing trauma from her experiences and the public battles she fought. Her 2021 civil lawsuit against Andrew, alleging he sexually assaulted her three times—including when she was 17—after Epstein trafficked her, ended in a settlement without admission of liability. Yet the case stripped Andrew of his military titles, HRH style, and public duties in 2022, forcing his retreat from royal life. Giuffre’s memoir “Nobody’s Girl,” released posthumously in late 2025, detailed the abuse she endured and her determination to expose Epstein’s network.

Andrew’s arrest on February 19, 2026—his 66th birthday—stemmed from Thames Valley Police inquiries into whether he improperly shared sensitive government information with Epstein during his 2001-2011 role as UK special representative for international trade and investment. The latest Epstein file releases by the U.S. Department of Justice in early 2026 included emails allegedly showing Andrew forwarded privileged trade reports from trips to Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and other locations. These documents raised questions of abuse of position and breach of public trust, core elements of the misconduct charge, which carries a potential life sentence.

The family’s statement arrived amid widespread media coverage of the arrest, which saw police raids at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate and a Berkshire property. Andrew remains in custody for questioning, with no formal charges filed yet. King Charles III responded earlier with a pledge of “full and wholehearted support and co-operation” to authorities, emphasizing that “the law must take its course” while expressing “deepest concern.”

Giuffre’s siblings framed the moment as a broader triumph for justice. By declaring “He was never a prince,” they rejected the trappings of royalty that once shielded Andrew, echoing sentiments from survivors and advocates who have long criticized perceived protections for the powerful. The phrase “Virginia did this for you” honors her legacy as a tireless campaigner who founded Victims Refuse Silence (later Speak Out, Act, Reclaim) to support trafficking survivors. Her public disclosures encouraged others to come forward, amplifying calls for accountability in Epstein’s circle.

The arrest ties back to Epstein’s web of influence. Giuffre claimed Epstein paid her $15,000 for sex with Andrew as part of his trafficking operation, allegations Andrew denied. Flight logs, photographs, and Giuffre’s testimony painted a picture of close ties, including stays at Epstein’s properties. While the criminal probe focuses on official misconduct rather than sexual allegations, the family’s response bridges both: relief that consequences have arrived, even if delayed and on different grounds.

Public reaction to the statement has been intense. Supporters of Giuffre praised the family’s courage in speaking out, viewing it as closure amid grief. Critics of the monarchy highlighted the line about royalty not being above the law, fueling republican arguments. Social media posts amplified the words, with hashtags like #JusticeForVirginia and #NoOneAboveTheLaw trending alongside images from Giuffre’s advocacy work.

Giuffre’s death in 2025 added layers of tragedy. Reports cited the cumulative toll of trauma, public scrutiny, and legal battles. Her family has navigated estate issues since, including disputes over her will. The statement suggests a measure of healing through perceived progress in accountability, though full justice remains elusive without a trial or conviction.

Andrew’s legal team has yet to respond directly to the family’s words, but past denials framed his Epstein contacts as regrettable social associations without criminal intent. The Crown Prosecution Service will review evidence from seized materials, digital forensics, and interviews to decide on charges. The case’s high profile ensures intense oversight.

For survivors and advocates, the moment resonates deeply. Giuffre’s efforts exposed systemic failures in protecting vulnerable people from powerful figures. Her family’s gratitude to Thames Valley Police acknowledges investigative persistence, even as broader Epstein probes continue globally.

The statement closes a symbolic circle: from Giuffre’s brave accusations to Andrew’s custody on a milestone day. It affirms that persistence can yield results, offering hope to others still seeking justice. As the investigation unfolds, the family’s words serve as both eulogy and rallying cry—honoring Virginia’s fight while reminding the world that broken hearts can mend when accountability arrives.

In a world where power often evades consequence, this arrest and the family’s response mark a rare instance of the law reaching high places. Whether it leads to conviction or not, it validates the courage of one woman whose voice echoed far beyond her lifetime.