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The momentous declaration from Buckingham Palace removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is seen as an "acknowledgment" that something happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.

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

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

Relatives Response: Recognition and Justice

Asked whether the statement implied that the monarch believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, in my view that he’s speaking very clearly in that statement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

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

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is significant. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this situation is an affirmation that abuse took place.

“It is the very first step for that resolution for those impacted. It is first the admission that events unfolded here. There was real trauma that affected these young girls.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions. The Duke has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of responsibility.

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

“We are extremely admiring of her, but then the sorrow strikes because one hopes she was here to experience this occasion alongside her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she added.

Support Organizations React: Significant Statement for Victims

Women’s rights advocates and advocacy groups also applauded the move by the royal family, with some saying it sent an important message to those affected of assault.

Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a statement from the royal household”, noting that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their experiences are trusted, and that they merit to be at the center of national conversations about abuse”.

Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a positive acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the females who were abused by entitled, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she continued: “Removing a honor, or relocating can never be considered true accountability or sufficient punishment. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the profound impact abuse has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could also be cheeky and humorous.

“Here we have an regular individual from an ordinary family that achieved something remarkable and in my opinion that is something the world should be proud of.

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and we are at last receiving that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace declined to comment.