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This historic declaration from the royal household stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "recognition" that events happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

Through its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will also leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

Their announcement concluded with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their considerations and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”

Family Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Questioned whether the statement implied that the monarch believes Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, I think that he’s speaking very clearly in that statement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that something occurred, something has happened. There has been a shift,” he noted.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is significant. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and recognizing that there are survivors in this case is an affirmation that abuse did occur.

“This represents the initial step for that resolution for survivors. Primarily the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. This involved real trauma that affected these young girls.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with the prince on multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any misconduct. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of responsibility.

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

“We’re just so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sorrow hits because you wish she could be present to share this occasion alongside her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she continued.

Support Organizations React: Significant Message for Victims

Gender equality advocates and advocacy groups also applauded the move by the monarchy, with some indicating it conveyed an important message to those affected of abuse.

A representative, head of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so directly in a statement from the royal household”, noting that it delivered a message that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they merit to be at the heart of national discussions about abuse”.

Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a welcome acknowledgment that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by entitled, prejudiced men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Removing a honor, or relocating can never be viewed as genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a devastating event, and a reminder of the profound impact abuse 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 goofy.

“Here we have an ordinary girl from an typical background that achieved something extraordinary and I think that is something the global community ought to be proud of.

“She was this strong warrior who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and now we are at last getting that recognition that she truly was a world hero.”

The palace offered no response.