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

In its statement on Thursday, the palace indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will also leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

Their announcement concluded with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their considerations and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the affected individuals and survivors of every forms of abuse.”

Family Response: Acknowledgment and Accountability

Asked whether the statement suggested that King Charles trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, I think that his words convey distinctly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“This is an admission that events took place, something has happened. We are witnessing a shift,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is huge. 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 very first step for that justice for survivors. Primarily the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. This involved real trauma that affected these adolescent females.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away recently – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of responsibility.

She described the announcement by the palace as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We are so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sorrow hits because you wish she was here to experience this moment together with her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Significant Message for Victims

Gender equality campaigners and support organizations likewise welcomed the decision by the monarchy, with some indicating it sent an vital signal to survivors of assault.

A representative, head of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims recognised so explicitly in a announcement from the royal household”, adding that it delivered a signal that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are believed, and that they merit to be at the center of national conversations about abuse”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a positive acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were abused by privileged, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Removing a honor, 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.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

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

“Here we have an regular individual from an ordinary family that achieved something extraordinary and I think this is something the world ought to be admiring of.

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and we are at last getting that recognition that she truly was a global icon.”

The palace declined to comment.