Buckingham Palace Becomes Site of Memorial to Virginia Giuffre
Activists have transformed the grounds of Buckingham Palace into a memorial dedicated to Virginia Giuffre, the Australian-American advocate for survivors of sex trafficking who died in April 2025. The protest, carried out by the group ‘Everyone Hates Elon’ on March 3, 2026, aims to honor Giuffre’s bravery in exposing sexual abuse by powerful figures, including Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein, and to demand justice for all Epstein survivors.
Plaques Installed in Memorial Garden
Members of ‘Everyone Hates Elon’ placed plaques around Buckingham Palace bearing the inscription: “In honour of Virginia Giuffre whose campaigning exposed sexual abuse by powerful men like Jeffrey Epstein and former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Her bravery and determination brought the truth to light. May she be remembered long after her abusers are forgotten.” The group likewise unofficially renamed the area the “Virginia Giuffre Memorial Garden.”
Giuffre’s Advocacy and Allegations
Virginia Giuffre, born Virginia Louise Roberts on August 9, 1983, was a prominent accuser of Jeffrey Epstein and a vocal advocate for survivors of sex trafficking. She alleged that Epstein ran a trafficking ring and that she was trafficked to numerous men, including Prince Andrew. Giuffre first publicly described meeting Prince Andrew in 2011, and later, in a 2019 BBC interview, accused him of sexual assault on three separate occasions.
Legal Battles and Settlement
Giuffre filed a civil lawsuit against Prince Andrew in New York in 2021. The case was settled in February 2022 for an undisclosed amount, with Prince Andrew making a donation to Giuffre’s charity and denying wrongdoing. Prior to the settlement, Prince Andrew relinquished his military titles and patronages. He was later stripped of his remaining titles by King Charles III. In February 2026, Prince Andrew was arrested on charges of misconduct in public office regarding confidential trade secrets allegedly shared with Epstein in 2010.
Activist Group’s Previous Protests
‘Everyone Hates Elon’ has a history of staging protests related to the Epstein case. In September 2025, the group displayed images of Donald Trump and Epstein outside Windsor Castle and projected images onto the castle’s exterior walls. They also staged a protest during Jeff Bezos’ wedding in Venice, calling for increased taxation on the wealthy. The plaques at Buckingham Palace were later removed by a gardener.
Giuffre’s Legacy
Virginia Giuffre’s death by suicide in April 2025, months before the publication of her memoir, Nobody’s Girl, has not diminished her impact as a champion for survivors. Her courage in speaking out against powerful abusers continues to inspire activists and advocates worldwide. The memorial at Buckingham Palace serves as a poignant reminder of her bravery and a call for continued justice for all victims of sexual abuse.