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The historic statement from Buckingham Palace stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "acknowledgment" that events happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

In its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will additionally vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

Their announcement ended with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies are and will continue to be with the victims and those who endured of every forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Reaction: Acknowledgment and Accountability

Questioned whether the statement suggested that the monarch trusts Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, I think that his words convey very clearly in that statement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“It’s an admission that events took place, something has happened. There has been a shift,” he added.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is significant. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing did occur.

“It is the very first step for that justice for survivors. Primarily the admission that something went on here. There was genuine suffering that affected these young girls.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with the prince on three separate occasions. The Duke has always denied any wrongdoing. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of responsibility.

She described the statement by the royal family as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We are extremely admiring of her, but then the sorrow hits because one hopes she could be present to experience this moment alongside her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she added.

Support Organizations Respond: Significant Message for Survivors

Gender equality advocates and advocacy groups likewise welcomed the move by the royal family, with several saying it sent an vital message to those affected of assault.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so directly in a announcement from the palace”, noting that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are believed, and that they merit to be at the center of public discussions about abuse”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a positive recognition that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the females who were sexually assaulted by privileged, misogynistic men.”

However, she continued: “Removing a title, or moving house can never be viewed as genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a devastating event, and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Describing Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could also be playful and humorous.

“Here we have an regular individual from an typical background that did something extraordinary and I think this is something the global community ought to be proud of.

“She was this strong warrior who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and we are at last getting that acknowledgment that she truly was a global icon.”

Royal officials offered no response.