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This historic statement from Buckingham Palace stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that something happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

Through its statement on Thursday, the palace said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will also vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

Their announcement concluded with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and deepest sympathies are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”

Family Response: Acknowledgment and Accountability

Asked whether this suggested that the monarch believes Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, in my view that he’s speaking distinctly in that announcement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an admission that something occurred, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a change,” he added.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is huge. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an acknowledgment that abuse did occur.

“This represents the initial step for that justice for survivors. It is first the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. This involved real trauma that affected these young girls.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died recently – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions. The Duke has consistently refuted any misconduct. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of responsibility.

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

“We are so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sorrow hits because you wish she could be present to experience this occasion alongside her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Powerful Message for Survivors

Gender equality advocates and support organizations likewise applauded the move by the monarchy, with some indicating it sent an important message to survivors of assault.

A representative, head of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a announcement from the palace”, adding that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they merit to be at the center of national discussions about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a positive acknowledgment that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were abused by entitled, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she continued: “Removing a title, or moving house can never be considered genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a devastating event, and a reminder of the deep effect sexual assault has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be playful and humorous.

“This is an regular individual from an ordinary family that did something extraordinary and I think that is something the global community should be admiring of.

“She was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and now we are finally getting that recognition that she truly was a world hero.”

The palace offered no response.