Virginia Giuffre’s Brother Applauds King Charles but Warns 'This Could Stain the Royal Family'
He warns the monarchy must act decisively or risk long-term reputational damage.
Trigger Warning: This article contains themes of child sexual abuse that some readers may find distressing.
The mood in Britain appears to be hardening over the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor question. A YouGov poll commissioned by Sky News found that 82% of respondents believe King Charles should urge his brother to testify to US authorities, with just 6% saying the monarch should stay out of it. Amid that growing public pressure, Virginia Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts’s recent statement might be a sigh of relief for Charles, in which he praised the King’s response so far while warning that unless firmer steps are taken, the fallout could linger over the Royal Family for years.
Speaking to ITV News, Sky Roberts said he wanted to 'commend the King' for acknowledging the seriousness of the latest revelations connected to Jeffrey Epstein. He noted that it could be “incredibly difficult” to “go against your own brother,” referencing the King’s public stance on Mountbatten-Windsor. Roberts has been a vocal advocate for survivors since the death of his sister last year. Virginia Giuffre had alleged that she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have s-- with Mountbatten-Windsor on three occasions, including when she was 17. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied the allegations. In 2022, he agreed to pay millions to settle a civil case brought by Giuffre while maintaining that he had never met her and without admitting liability.
While Roberts acknowledged what he sees as progress in the UK’s handling of the matter, he made clear that he believes further action is necessary. “We've seen the UK people really step up in this and hold a member of the royal family's feet to the fire,” he said. However, he criticized what he described as a lack of follow-through from law enforcement. “The UK was doing so much, but then all of a sudden, the Metropolitan Police are now closing this case as if it's a closed-shut case, and it felt like they were just checking a box.”
Roberts urged British authorities to revisit the case in light of newly released material, arguing that the latest disclosures could provide grounds for renewed investigation. He also called on the Royal Family to go further than statements of concern and “take more action,” pushing for inquiries that lead to substantive outcomes. His appeal extended beyond the UK. Roberts suggested that King Charles should raise the issue directly with US President Donald Trump. “Why aren't we putting more pressure on [Trump] globally from our leaders? Like, they should be speaking out against this,” he said.
Without decisive steps, Roberts warned, the consequences for the monarchy could be enduring. “This could stain the Royal Family for a very long time, or alternatively, it could be a change; it could be a way for them moving forward to set a new standard for a new generation.” On Monday, Buckingham Palace issued a statement reiterating its support for Epstein’s victims. A palace spokesperson said, “The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct.” The statement added that the Palace would assist police if requested.
If you are being subjected to sexual assault, or know of anyone who is, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673)
If you know of any children who are being subjected to abuse, please contact The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 422-4453
