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This historic statement from the royal household stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is regarded as an "recognition" that events occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

In its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will also leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

Their announcement ended with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and utmost empathy have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of every forms of abuse.”

Relatives Reaction: Acknowledgment and Accountability

Questioned whether the statement implied that King Charles believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, in my view 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, something has happened. We are witnessing a shift,” he added.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is significant. We haven’t seen that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this situation is an affirmation that abuse took place.

“It is the initial step for that resolution for survivors. It is first the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. This involved real trauma that affected these young girls.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away recently – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions. The Duke has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of responsibility.

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

“We’re just so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sorrow hits because one hopes she could be present to share this moment together with her – a moment 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 applauded the decision by the royal family, with several indicating it sent an important signal to survivors of assault.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims recognised so explicitly in a announcement from the palace”, adding that it sent a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are believed, and that they merit to be at the heart of public conversations about mistreatment”.

Penny East, 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, misogynistic men.”

However, she continued: “Removing a title, or relocating can not be viewed as true accountability or adequate consequence. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the deep effect abuse has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Describing Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could also be playful and goofy.

“Here we have an regular individual from an typical background that achieved something remarkable and in my opinion that is something the world should be admiring of.

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

The palace declined to comment.