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

Through its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will additionally leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

The statement ended with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost empathy have been and will remain with the affected individuals and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”

Family Response: Recognition and Accountability

Asked whether this implied that the monarch trusts Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, I think that he’s speaking distinctly in that statement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an acknowledgment that something occurred, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a change,” he added.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is significant. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this case is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing took place.

“This represents the very first step for that resolution for those impacted. It is first the admission that something went on here. This involved genuine suffering that affected these young girls.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died recently – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. The Duke has always denied any wrongdoing. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of responsibility.

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

“We’re just so exceptionally proud of her, but then the sadness hits because you wish she was here to experience this moment alongside her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she added.

Support Organizations Respond: Significant Message for Survivors

Gender equality advocates and advocacy groups likewise welcomed the move by the monarchy, with some saying it conveyed an vital signal to survivors of assault.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims recognised so directly in a statement from the palace”, noting that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are believed, and that they deserve to be at the heart of national discussions about abuse”.

Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “it 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.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Stripping a title, or relocating can never be considered true accountability or adequate consequence. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a devastating event, and a indication of the deep effect abuse has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Portraying Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could also be cheeky and goofy.

“This is an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that did something extraordinary and I think this is something the world should be proud of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and we are at last receiving that recognition that she indeed represented a global icon.”

The palace offered no response.