Virginia Giuffre's family issue statement on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest: 'He was never a prince!'

The family of Virginia Giuffre have spoken for the first time following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Ms Giuffre claimed to have been trafficked to have sex with Andrew on three occasions, in London as well as on Epstein’s private island.

Andrew consistently denied any wrongdoing and settled with Ms Giuffre out of court in 2022 with no admission of liability.

The former Duke of York was arrested on Thursday over allegations of misconduct in public office.

Ms Giuffre's family said following Andrew's arrest: “At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty.

Police vehicles were spotted arriving at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk this morning, where Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is currently residing.

Witnesses at the scene reported that those who arrived were wearing civilian clothing but "appeared to be police officers".

Thames Valley Police, said in a statement confirming the arrest: "As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.

“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.

“He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you!”

Virginia Giuffre took her own life at the age of 41 in April last year.

Royal Lodge is one of the addresses being searched by police.

Just days before Andrew’s arrest, Ms Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts, said that the former royal must “show up and answer questions.”

Mr Roberts and his wife Amanda, attended the US Capitol alongside politicians as they unveiled Virginia’s Law ten months after her death.

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In a press conference Mr Roberts emotionally said: “Virginia's dream was to inspire and empower survivors to come forward in a world that too often turns away from abuse and pushes it into the shadows. She wanted to bring light.”

Mr Roberts was asked about a photo of Andrew with his sister, to which he said: “'I think he should show up in front of our Congress.

“I want today to be about Virginia's law, to not allow this to happen again, but to Andrew, he needs to show up and answer questions in front of our Congress.”

Andrew has always strongly denied any wrongdoing and states he has never met Virginia Giuffre.

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