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This historic statement from the royal household stripping Prince Andrew of his title is seen as an "recognition" that events occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

In its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will additionally leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

The statement concluded with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost empathy are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and those who endured of every forms of mistreatment.”

Family Response: Recognition and Accountability

Questioned whether the statement implied that the monarch believes Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, in my view that his words convey distinctly in that statement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

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

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

“It is the very first step for that resolution for survivors. Primarily the acknowledgment that something went on here. This involved genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of responsibility.

Amanda described the statement by the palace as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We are extremely admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because one hopes she was here to experience this occasion alongside her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she added.

Advocacy Groups React: Powerful Message for Survivors

Women’s rights campaigners and advocacy groups also applauded the decision by the monarchy, with several indicating it sent an important message to those affected of assault.

A representative, head of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so directly in a announcement 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 public conversations about mistreatment”.

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

Nonetheless, she added: “Removing a title, or moving house can never 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 profound impact abuse has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Describing Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be playful and humorous.

“This is an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that achieved something extraordinary and in my opinion that is something the global community should be proud of.

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and now we are at last receiving that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a global icon.”

Royal officials offered no response.