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This historic statement from Buckingham Palace stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is seen as an "recognition" that something happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.

In its statement on the specified day, the palace indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will additionally leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

The statement concluded with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest sympathies have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of every forms of mistreatment.”

Family Reaction: Acknowledgment and Justice

Asked whether this suggested that King Charles trusts Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, in my view that his words convey very clearly in that statement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“It’s an acknowledgment that something occurred, something has happened. There has been a shift,” he noted.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is huge. We haven’t seen that from other parties, and recognizing that there are survivors in this situation is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing did occur.

“It is the very first step for that justice for survivors. It is first the acknowledgment that something went on here. There was real trauma that affected these adolescent females.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died recently – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of liability.

Amanda described the announcement by the palace as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We are extremely proud of her, but then the sorrow strikes because you wish she was here to experience this occasion together with her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Advocacy Groups React: Powerful Message for Victims

Gender equality advocates and advocacy groups also applauded the decision by the royal family, with some saying it conveyed an vital signal to those affected of assault.

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims recognised so explicitly in a statement from the royal household”, adding that it sent a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they deserve to be at the center of national discussions about abuse”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a welcome recognition that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the females who were sexually assaulted by privileged, prejudiced men.”

However, she added: “Stripping a title, or relocating can never be viewed as genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the profound impact sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could also be playful and goofy.

“Here we have an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that achieved something remarkable and in my opinion this is something the global community ought to be admiring of.

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who refused to back down and spoke out courageously and we are at last receiving that recognition that she truly was a global icon.”

The palace offered no response.