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This historic statement from the royal household stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is seen as an "acknowledgment" that something occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

Through its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will additionally vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

Their announcement concluded with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest sympathies are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”

Relatives Response: Acknowledgment and Accountability

Asked whether the statement suggested that King Charles trusts Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, in my view that his words convey distinctly in that statement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

“This is an admission that something occurred, incidents transpired. There has been a shift,” he added.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is significant. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this situation is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing did occur.

“It is the initial step for that justice for survivors. It is first the acknowledgment that something went on here. This involved genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with the prince on three separate occasions. The Duke has always denied any misconduct. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of liability.

Amanda characterized the statement by the palace as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We are so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because you wish she could be present to share this occasion alongside her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she added.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Powerful Statement for Survivors

Gender equality advocates and support organizations likewise applauded the move by the royal family, with several saying it sent an important message to those affected of assault.

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a statement from the royal household”, adding that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are believed, and that they merit to be at the center of national conversations about mistreatment”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a welcome acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not discomfited officials or fallen royals, but the females who were abused by privileged, misogynistic men.”

However, she continued: “Removing a title, or moving house can never be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the deep effect abuse has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Describing Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be cheeky and goofy.

“This is an regular individual from an ordinary family that did something extraordinary and in my opinion that is something the world should be proud of.

“She was this strong warrior who refused to back down and spoke out courageously and now we are finally getting that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a global icon.”

The palace offered no response.