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This historic declaration from Buckingham Palace stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is regarded as an "recognition" that events happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

In its announcement on Thursday, the palace indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will additionally leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

The statement ended with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest empathy are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and those who endured of any and all forms of abuse.”

Relatives Response: Acknowledgment and Justice

Questioned whether this suggested that King Charles trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, in my view that he’s speaking distinctly in that statement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

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

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is huge. We haven’t seen that from other parties, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an acknowledgment that abuse took place.

“This represents the initial step for that resolution for those impacted. It is first the acknowledgment that something went on here. This involved real trauma that happened to these adolescent females.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had sex with the prince on multiple instances. He has consistently refuted any misconduct. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £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 are so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sadness hits because you wish she was here to experience this occasion alongside her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she added.

Support Organizations Respond: Significant Statement for Survivors

Women’s rights campaigners and advocacy groups also welcomed the decision by the monarchy, with several saying it conveyed an vital message to those affected of assault.

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims recognised so directly in a announcement from the palace”, adding that it sent a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they deserve to be at the center of national discussions about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a welcome recognition that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Removing a honor, or moving house can never be viewed as true accountability or adequate consequence. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a devastating event, and a reminder of the deep effect abuse has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could also be cheeky and goofy.

“This is an ordinary girl from an typical background that did something extraordinary and I think that is something the global community should be proud of.

“She was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and now we are at last getting that recognition that she truly was a global icon.”

The palace offered no response.