Sky Roberts told the BBC that his sister, Virginia Giuffre, believes the British royal family's decision has vindicated her."All the years of work she put in will now receive some justice." Giuffre had accused Prince Andrew of abusing her at the age of 17. She committed suicide in April.

"We've shed many tears of joy and sadness today," Roberts told the BBC late Friday night."I think I'm happy because this vindicates Virginia in many ways." His sister would likely be "very proud."

Repeal apparently due to pressure from King

Apparently under pressure from his brother, King Charles III, Prince Andrew announced on Friday that he would no longer use his royal titles and honors. After discussions with Charles III and his family, he concluded"that the ongoing allegations against me are damaging to the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family." The 65-year-old again denied the allegations against him.

The allegations against Prince Andrew are related to his ties to US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The billionaire was found dead in his New York prison cell in 2019; according to official reports, he committed suicide. The investment banker was accused of abusing numerous underage girls and young women and passing them on to celebrities for sexual acts – including Andrew.

Andrew's controversial relationship with Epstein has once again come into the spotlight in recent days: Next week, the posthumous publication of the memoirs of Virginia Giuffre, who committed suicide in April at the age of 41, will take place. Excerpts from the book were published in the press this week. In it, Giuffre accuses Prince Andrew of viewing sex with her, who was a minor at the time, as his"birthright."

A legal dispute between Giuffre and Prince Andrew was settled out of court in 2022. A federal court in New York enforced the agreement after payment of an undisclosed amount of compensation. According to media reports, Giuffre received millions. Prince Andrew thus avoided not only criminal prosecution but also a civil lawsuit with many unpleasant questions.

The Epstein case has been making headlines in the US for months. He is alleged to have had long-standing relationships with US President Donald Trump and other celebrities, including former President Bill Clinton. Many of Trump's critics, as well as supporters in his own camp, are demanding the complete release of all court documents and statements concerning Epstein.