Legal Dispute Emerges Over Virginia Giuffre’s Estate Following Her Death in Australia

Perth, Australia — A legal dispute has begun over the management of the estate of Virginia Giuffre, whose death in April at age 41 left significant questions about the distribution of her assets. Giuffre, known internationally for her long-running civil claims involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, did not leave a formal will, prompting a complex court process now underway in Western Australia.

According to information provided in filings, Giuffre left behind an estate valued in the millions — largely derived from the confidential out-of-court settlement she received several years ago. That settlement included no admission of wrongdoing from the former Duke of York, who has consistently denied all allegations and continues to do so.

No Formal Will, but an Email at the Center of the Case

While Giuffre did not prepare a legally executed will, lawyers for her family say she sent an email — described as an “implied will” — to an accountant outlining how she wished her assets to be distributed.

According to those seeking to uphold the document, Giuffre expressed the desire for her three children and certain other relatives and friends to receive her estate. The email reportedly stated that no portion should be allocated to her estranged husband, Robert Giuffre.

The authenticity and legal strength of this email are now central questions before the court.

Family Members Seek Control of Estate

Her sons, Christian (19) and Noah (18), have jointly applied to administer their mother’s estate. Their father, Robert, has reportedly requested to be included in that application, arguing he should be entitled to participate in managing the estate’s affairs.

However, two individuals close to Giuffre — her former lawyer Karrie Louden and her carer Cheryl Myers — are contesting his involvement. They argue that the email should be treated as an expression of Giuffre’s final wishes, which they say explicitly excluded her estranged spouse.

The matter is expected to return to court early in the new year, where a judge will determine whether the email can be recognized under Western Australian succession law.

Background and Public Attention

Giuffre spent many years involved in legal proceedings and public advocacy concerning her experiences as a teenager. Her civil case against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor concluded with an out-of-court settlement in 2022. The settlement was reached with no admission of liability, and he has always denied any wrongdoing.

The case returned to public discussion following the release of Giuffre’s book earlier this year. After its publication, King Charles III confirmed that his brother would no longer use certain royal titles and styles, further distancing the monarchy from the matter.

A Family Seeking Closure Amid Legal Complexity

Friends and relatives have described Giuffre’s final years as a period of both personal challenge and renewed public scrutiny. Her sudden passing in Perth left her family grieving and confronting complicated legal questions surrounding her estate.

As the court considers the issues raised by her “implied will,” legal experts note that cases involving informal testamentary documents can be highly complex. Some Australian jurisdictions allow non-traditional documents — such as emails or recorded messages — to stand in place of a formal will, provided the court is satisfied that they reflect the deceased’s true intentions.

Whether Giuffre’s email meets that threshold remains to be seen.

For now, her family and those who supported her await the court’s next step, hoping for a resolution that honors her stated wishes while providing clarity and closure.