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

Through its announcement on Thursday, the palace indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will additionally vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.

Their announcement ended with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their considerations and deepest sympathies are and will continue to be with the victims and survivors of every forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Response: Recognition and Justice

Asked whether the statement implied that King Charles trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, in my view that he’s speaking very clearly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“It’s an admission that something occurred, incidents transpired. There has been a change,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is huge. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this situation is an affirmation that abuse took place.

“This represents the very first step for that resolution for survivors. Primarily the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. There was real trauma that happened to these adolescent females.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of liability.

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

“We are extremely admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because one hopes she could be present to experience this moment together with her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she added.

Advocacy Groups React: Powerful Statement for Survivors

Gender equality advocates and support organizations also welcomed the decision by the monarchy, with several saying it sent an vital message to those affected of assault.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so directly in a announcement from the palace”, noting that it delivered a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are trusted, 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 acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were abused by entitled, misogynistic men.”

However, she added: “Stripping a title, or relocating can not be considered genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Portraying Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could also 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 global community should be proud of.

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

The palace offered no response.