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The historic declaration from Buckingham Palace stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that something happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

Through its announcement on Thursday, the palace indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will additionally leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

The statement ended with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest sympathies have been and will remain with the affected individuals and those who endured of every forms of abuse.”

Family Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Questioned whether the statement suggested that King Charles believes Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, in my view that he’s speaking distinctly in that statement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“It’s an acknowledgment that something occurred, something has happened. There has been a change,” he noted.

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

“It is the initial step for that justice for those impacted. It is first the acknowledgment that something went on here. There was real trauma that happened to 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 the prince on multiple instances. He has consistently refuted any misconduct. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of liability.

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

“We’re just extremely admiring of her, but then the sadness hits because one hopes she was here to share this occasion together with her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she continued.

Advocacy Groups React: Significant Statement for Survivors

Women’s rights advocates and advocacy groups likewise welcomed the decision by the royal family, with some indicating it sent an vital message to survivors of abuse.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so directly in a announcement from the palace”, noting that it sent a signal that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they merit to be at the center of public discussions about mistreatment”.

Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a welcome acknowledgment that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by privileged, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she continued: “Stripping a honor, or moving house can never be viewed as 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 deep effect sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

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

“This is an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that achieved something extraordinary and I think that is something the world ought to be admiring of.

“She was this strong warrior who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and now we are at last receiving that recognition that she indeed represented a global icon.”

Royal officials offered no response.