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

Through its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will additionally leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

Their announcement ended with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their considerations and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Family Response: Acknowledgment and Accountability

Questioned whether this suggested that King Charles trusts Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, in my view that his words convey very clearly in that statement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“This is an admission that events took place, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a shift,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is huge. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an affirmation that abuse took place.

“It is the initial step for that resolution for survivors. It is first the admission that events unfolded here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these adolescent females.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of responsibility.

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

“We are so exceptionally proud of her, but then the sadness hits because you wish she could be present to experience this moment together with her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Support Organizations Respond: Significant Message for Victims

Gender equality advocates and support organizations likewise welcomed the decision by the monarchy, with several saying it conveyed an important signal to survivors of assault.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so explicitly in a statement from the palace”, adding that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are believed, and that they deserve to be at the center of public conversations about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a welcome recognition that the true sufferers here are not discomfited officials or fallen royals, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, prejudiced men.”

However, she continued: “Stripping a honor, or moving house can never be considered genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the deep effect sexual assault has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could also be cheeky and goofy.

“This is an regular individual from an ordinary family that achieved something extraordinary and in my opinion this is something the world should be proud of.

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and we are at last receiving that recognition that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace offered no response.