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

Through its statement on Thursday, the palace said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will additionally leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.

The statement concluded with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost empathy are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and those who endured of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Response: Recognition and Justice

Asked whether this suggested that the monarch believes Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, I think that his words convey distinctly in that statement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“It’s an admission that events took place, incidents transpired. There has been a change,” he noted.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is significant. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this case is an affirmation that wrongdoing did occur.

“It is the initial step for that resolution for those impacted. It is first the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. There was real trauma that happened to these adolescent females.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away recently – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor 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 characterized the statement by the royal family as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We’re just so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sorrow strikes because one hopes she could be present to share this moment alongside her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she added.

Advocacy Groups React: Significant Message for Victims

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

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see survivors recognised so explicitly in a statement from the palace”, adding that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the center of public conversations about mistreatment”.

Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a positive acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the females who were abused by privileged, misogynistic men.”

However, she added: “Removing a title, or moving house can not be considered genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a devastating event, and a indication of the deep effect abuse has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Describing Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be playful and humorous.

“This is an ordinary girl from an typical background that did something extraordinary and in my opinion this is something the world should be proud of.

“She was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and we are at last getting that acknowledgment that she truly was a global icon.”

Royal officials offered no response.