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  "path": "/2026/02/19/virginia-giuffres-family-issues-statement-andrew-mountbatten-windsors-arrest-26993956/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-19T11:54:37.000Z",
  "site": "https://metro.co.uk",
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    "Virginia Giuffre",
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  "textContent": "Virginia Giuffre was the first woman to go public with accusations against Andrew (Picture: Reuters)\n\nThe family of Virginia Giuffre, the woman who first accused Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of sexual assault, have thanked the police after the ex-prince was arrested.\n\nAndrew was taken into custody by Thames Valley Police from his home in Sandringham this morning.\n\nIn an emotional statement, the Ms Giuffre’s family told CBS News: ‘At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty.’\n\nThey added: ‘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.\n\n‘He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.’\n\n##  Sign up for all of the latest stories\n\nStart your day informed with Metro's **News Updates** newsletter or get **Breaking News **alerts the moment it happens.\n\nMs Giuffre died by suicide aged 41 at her home in Australia in April last year.\n\nAn image of her standing beside then-Prince Andrew has become one of the most notorious to emerge from the files relating to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.\n\nShe alleged that Epstein had trafficked her to have sex with the royal when she was underage.\n\nAndrew has denied ever meeting her and has always strenuously denied any wrongdoing. He has also previously suggested the photo is a fake.\n\nIn 2022, he reached an out-of-court settlement with Ms Giuffre reportedly worth around £12 million, which did not constitute an admission of wrongdoing.\n\n**Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us atwebnews@metro.co.uk.** **Or you can submit your videos and pictureshere.**\n\n**For more stories like this, check our****  news page****.**\n\n**Follow Metro.co.uk onTwitter and Facebook for the latest news updates.** **You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alertshere. **\n\nComment now Comments  Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source ",
  "title": "Virginia Giuffre’s family issues statement after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest"
}