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This momentous declaration from Buckingham Palace removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "acknowledgment" that events happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

In its statement on the specified day, the palace indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will additionally vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.

The statement ended with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their considerations and deepest sympathies have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”

Family Response: Recognition and Justice

Questioned whether this implied that the monarch believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, in my view that his words convey very clearly in that announcement when he states he’s with survivors out there.

“This is an admission that events took place, incidents transpired. There has been a change,” he noted.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is huge. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this case is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing did occur.

“It is the very first step for that justice for those impacted. It is first the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. This involved genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has always denied any misconduct. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of liability.

Amanda characterized the announcement by the palace as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

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

Support Organizations React: Significant Message for Victims

Women’s rights campaigners and support organizations likewise applauded the decision by the monarchy, with some saying it sent an vital signal to those affected of abuse.

Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see survivors acknowledged so explicitly in a announcement from the palace”, noting that it sent a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they merit to be at the heart of public conversations about abuse”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a positive acknowledgment that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or fallen royals, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, misogynistic men.”

However, she continued: “Stripping a honor, or relocating can not be considered true accountability or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a devastating event, and a reminder of the deep effect abuse has on women and girls.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Describing Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be cheeky and humorous.

“This is an regular individual from an typical background that achieved something extraordinary and I think this is something the world should be proud of.

“She was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and spoke out courageously and we are at last receiving that recognition that she indeed represented a global icon.”

Royal officials offered no response.