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

Through its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will also vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

The statement concluded with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest empathy are and will continue to be with the victims and survivors of every forms of abuse.”

Family Reaction: Acknowledgment and Justice

Questioned whether the statement suggested that King Charles believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, I think that he’s speaking distinctly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that something occurred, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a shift,” he noted.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is significant. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and recognizing that there are survivors in this situation is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing took place.

“This represents the initial step for that justice for survivors. Primarily the acknowledgment that something went on here. This involved genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away recently – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with the prince on three separate occasions. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of liability.

She described the statement by the royal family as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We’re just so exceptionally proud of her, but then the sadness strikes because one hopes she was here to experience this occasion together with her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she added.

Support Organizations React: Powerful Message for Survivors

Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups likewise applauded the move by the monarchy, with some saying it sent an vital message to those affected of abuse.

A representative, head of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so directly in a statement from the royal household”, adding that it sent a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they merit to be at the heart of national discussions about mistreatment”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a welcome recognition that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or fallen royals, but the females who were sexually assaulted by privileged, misogynistic men.”

However, she added: “Stripping a title, or moving house can never be viewed as genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Describing Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could also be cheeky and humorous.

“Here we have an ordinary girl from an typical background that achieved something extraordinary and I think this is something the world should be proud of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and now we are finally getting that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a world hero.”

Royal officials offered no response.