London, 19 October (H.S.): The brother of the late Virginia Giuffre has called on King Charles to strip Prince Andrew of his prince title, following Andrew’s decision on Friday to voluntarily relinquish his other royal honors, including Duke of York. Sky Roberts, whose sister accused the prince of sexual assault, said his family would welcome contact from the King and that full accountability is needed.

On Friday, after years of mounting pressure over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew announced he would no longer use his titles or honors. In discussion with the King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family, the prince said in a statement, while continuing to vigorously deny the accusations against him.

The move, which includes giving up his membership in the prestigious Order of the Garter, was made in consultation with King Charles and Prince William. It effectively banishes him from royal life, though he remains a prince by birthright—a status that can only be removed by a legal document issued by the monarch.

For Roberts, the step doesn’t go far enough. We would call on the King to potentially go ahead and take out the prince in the Andrew, he told BBC Newsnight. He said his sister, who took her own life earlier this year, would be very proud of the development, seeing it as a form of vindication and a joyous moment for survivors.

Giuffre alleged she was forced to have sex with the prince on three occasions, starting when she was 17. The prince settled a civil case with her in 2022 without admitting guilt.The decision to relinquish his titles comes just days before the posthumous publication of Giuffre’s memoir, which is expected to bring renewed focus on her allegations against the prince and his involvement with Epstein.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar