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

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

The statement concluded with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their thoughts and deepest empathy are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and those who endured of every forms of abuse.”

Relatives Response: Acknowledgment and Justice

Questioned whether the statement suggested that the monarch trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, I think that his words convey distinctly in that statement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an admission that events took place, something has happened. We are witnessing a change,” he added.

A family member, 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 affected individuals in this situation is an acknowledgment that abuse took place.

“This represents the very first step for that justice for survivors. Primarily the acknowledgment that something went on here. There was genuine suffering that affected these young girls.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of responsibility.

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

“We’re just so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sorrow strikes because you wish she was here to share this occasion together with her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Powerful Statement for Victims

Gender equality campaigners and support organizations likewise applauded the decision by the royal family, with several indicating it conveyed an important message to survivors of assault.

A representative, head of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see survivors acknowledged so explicitly in a announcement from the royal household”, noting that it delivered a message that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are believed, and that they merit to be at the center of national discussions about abuse”.

Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, commented “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, prejudiced men.”

Nonetheless, she continued: “Stripping a honor, or relocating can not be considered genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a devastating event, and a reminder of the deep effect sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Describing Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be playful and humorous.

“Here we have an ordinary girl from an typical background that did something remarkable and I think this is something the world should be admiring of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and we are finally receiving that acknowledgment that she truly was a global icon.”

Royal officials offered no response.