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This historic statement from the royal household removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is seen as an "recognition" that something happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

Through its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will also leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

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

Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Accountability

Asked whether the statement suggested 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 announcement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

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

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is huge. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this situation is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing did occur.

“This represents the very first step for that justice for those impacted. Primarily the acknowledgment that something went on here. This involved genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away recently – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of liability.

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

“We are so exceptionally proud of her, but then the sorrow hits because one hopes she was here to experience this moment alongside her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she added.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Powerful Statement for Victims

Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups likewise welcomed the move by the monarchy, with some indicating it sent an important message to those affected of assault.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a statement from the palace”, adding that it sent a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they merit to be at the center of national conversations about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a positive recognition that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the females who were sexually assaulted by privileged, prejudiced men.”

However, she continued: “Stripping a honor, or relocating can never be considered true accountability or adequate consequence. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Describing Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be cheeky and goofy.

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

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

Royal officials offered no response.