Virginia Giuffre family calls U.S. response 'shameful' after former Prince Andrew arrested in U.K.
virginia giuffre's family said they welcomed the arrest of former Prince Andrew in the U. K. but called the contrast with the United States response "shameful, " framing the development as both vindication and a spur to keep pursuing accountability.
Virginia Giuffre family reaction: vindication, grief and renewed resolve
Family members described a surge of emotion when they learned of the arrest in the early hours of the morning. Sky Roberts, virginia giuffre's brother, said he learned about the arrest at 3 a. m. and described a mix of joy, vindication and sorrow for the loss of his sister. His wife, Amanda Roberts, who is also virginia giuffre's sister-in-law, said the family would have been celebrating with her and emphasized that the arrest felt like a moment when her character was coming to fruition.
The family made clear that the arrest does not erase their grief: Roberts recounted moments of private mourning, including breaking down in a restaurant. At the same time, both siblings framed the news as a win for survivors and a reason to continue pushing for accountability. They criticized the lack of similar legal consequences in the United States, calling that gap shameful and signaling a desire for continued pressure and action.
Arrest details and legal status of Mountbatten-Windsor
The man identified as the former prince was arrested in the U. K. on suspicion of misconduct in public office tied to documents found in the Jeffrey Epstein files. Authorities described the arrest as connected to revelations suggesting the former prince had shared confidential government information with the American sex offender while serving in a trade role. The arrest was not directly related to accusations of sexual trafficking or abuse.
He was arrested on his 66th birthday, held for about 12 hours and then released, though the matter remains under investigation. Police confirmed they had arrested a man in his 60s on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The family highlighted the seriousness of the charges; Amanda Roberts noted that the offense can carry severe penalties in the U. K., and she welcomed that prospect.
Separately, the family recalled the broader context of past allegations: virginia giuffre had accused the former prince of assaulting her on three occasions when she was 17. He denied those allegations. The two reached a settlement in 2022, with the former prince paying an agreed sum to virginia giuffre. Giuffre died by suicide last year at age 41.
What the family says next and what to watch
Family members framed the arrest as a milestone that brings both emotional complexity and renewed determination. They said they would treat the development as a step forward while continuing to press for more accountability where they see it lacking. The family emphasized that this moment matters to survivors and that they intend to press on until they are satisfied justice has been sought.
The investigation remains active and details may evolve. For now, the family reaction underscores a mix of vindication and grief: a public legal move in the U. K. that highlights perceived gaps in the U. S. response and reinforces the family's intention to continue seeking accountability.
