The family of Virginia Giuffre has released an emotional statement following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in the United Kingdom on Thursday, 19 February 2026. The former royal was taken into custody by police in Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office, a charge linked to an ongoing investigation into allegations that he improperly shared sensitive information during his time as a UK trade envoy.
Although the arrest is not directly connected to the sexual assault claims Giuffre made against Mountbatten-Windsor years earlier, her family said the development nonetheless represented a meaningful step forward in their long-running pursuit of accountability.
“Our Broken Hearts Have Been Lifted”
In a joint statement shared with media outlets, Giuffre’s siblings — Sky and Amanda Roberts and Danny and Lanette Wilson — said that news of the arrest had “lifted” their “broken hearts,” adding that it showed “no one is above the law, not even royalty.” They thanked the Thames Valley Police for their investigation and for arresting Mountbatten Windsor, emphasising that their gratitude was on behalf of their late sister. The family’s remarks also carried sharp criticism of Mountbatten-Windsor’s past status, with one line of their statement declaring: “He was never a prince.” This pointed rebuke underscored their belief that his royal privileges should not shield him from legal scrutiny.
Virginia Giuffre’s Legacy and Advocacy
Virginia Giuffre was one of the most prominent accusers of the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and his convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell, alleging that she was trafficked and coerced into sexual encounters with powerful men, including Mountbatten-Windsor, when she was a teenager. Mountbatten-Windsor consistently denied those sexual abuse allegations. While earlier legal actions brought by Giuffre were resolved through an out-of-court settlement in the United States, her family said she had spent years advocating for survivors of abuse and trafficking, and working to make it clear that wealth or status should not grant impunity. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025 at the age of 41, leaving behind a legacy marked by her activism and legal battle against some of the world’s most influential figures. Her passing deeply affected her loved ones, who have said they continue to carry forward her mission of seeking accountability and justice for survivors.
Reaction to the Arrest
The family’s response was echoed in some parts of the public and media, where commentators noted that the arrest highlighted the importance of rule of law and accountability, regardless of one’s former royal status. Some survivors and advocates pointed to the symbolic importance of the statement — that legal institutions are capable of challenging entrenched privilege. Critics, however, reminded the public that the unrelated misconduct investigation — focused on alleged improper sharing of confidential information — is legally distinct from the earlier sexual abuse claims. Nonetheless, Giuffre’s family framed the arrest not as a direct vindication of those specific accusations, but as evidence that persistent pressure can lead to consequences for individuals once thought untouchable.
Ongoing Investigation and Legacy
At present, Mountbatten-Windsor remains in police custody pending further developments, with authorities continuing their inquiry into whether he misused his position for personal advantage. Legal experts have emphasised that an arrest is not a conviction and that the accused remains presumed innocent as the investigation progresses. For Giuffre’s family, however, the arrest represents a moment of validation: a sign that their calls for justice have resonated and that the broader fight against exploitation and abuse continues. Their statement concluded by saying that Virginia’s efforts were not only for herself, but for “survivors everywhere,” reaffirming her long-held belief that systemic change requires unwavering resolve.
