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This historic declaration from Buckingham Palace removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is seen as an "recognition" that something happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

Through its announcement on the specified day, the royal establishment indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will also vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

The statement ended with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest sympathies are and will continue to be with the victims and those who endured of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Questioned whether this suggested that the monarch trusts Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, I think that his words convey very clearly in that statement when he states he’s with survivors out there.

“It’s an admission that events took place, incidents transpired. There has been a shift,” he noted.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is significant. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this situation is an acknowledgment that abuse took place.

“This represents the initial step for that resolution for those impacted. Primarily the admission that something went on here. There was genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. The Duke has always denied any wrongdoing. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of liability.

Amanda characterized the statement by the palace as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

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

Advocacy Groups React: Significant Statement for Victims

Women’s rights advocates and advocacy groups also applauded the decision by the royal family, with several indicating it sent an important message to survivors of abuse.

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

Penny East, the chief executive 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, misogynistic men.”

However, she continued: “Removing a honor, or relocating can never be viewed as true accountability or adequate consequence. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a devastating event, and a reminder of the deep effect sexual assault has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Describing Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could also be playful and humorous.

“Here we have an regular individual from an ordinary family that did something remarkable and in my opinion that is something the world 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 receiving that recognition that she truly was a global icon.”

Royal officials declined to comment.