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This historic declaration from the royal household stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is seen as an "acknowledgment" that events happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

In its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will also leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.

Their announcement concluded with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their considerations and deepest sympathies have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of every forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Response: Recognition and Justice

Questioned whether this suggested that the monarch trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, I think that he’s speaking very clearly in that announcement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an admission that something occurred, something has happened. There has been a shift,” he noted.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is significant. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an acknowledgment that abuse did occur.

“It is the initial step for that justice for those impacted. Primarily the admission that something went on here. This involved genuine suffering that affected these young girls.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with the prince on three separate occasions. He has consistently refuted any misconduct. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of liability.

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

“We’re just so exceptionally proud of her, but then the sorrow hits because you wish she could be present to experience this occasion alongside her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she added.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Powerful Message for Victims

Gender equality advocates and advocacy groups also welcomed the move by the royal family, with several indicating it sent an vital signal to survivors of abuse.

A representative, head of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so directly in a announcement from the royal household”, adding that it sent a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they deserve to be at the center of public conversations about mistreatment”.

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

Nonetheless, she continued: “Removing a honor, or moving house can never be considered genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a devastating event, and a reminder of the deep effect sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

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

“This is an regular individual from an typical background that did something extraordinary and in my opinion that is something the global community should be admiring of.

“She was this strong warrior who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and we are at last getting that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a world hero.”

Royal officials declined to comment.