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This historic statement from the royal household stripping Prince Andrew of his royal status is regarded as an "recognition" that something occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

In its announcement on the specified day, the royal establishment indicated 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 continue to cause controversy.

Their announcement ended with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest sympathies are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and those who endured of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Asked whether the statement suggested that King Charles believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, in my view that his words convey distinctly in that statement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that events took place, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a shift,” he added.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is huge. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and recognizing that there are survivors in this situation is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing did occur.

“This represents the initial step for that justice for survivors. It is first the acknowledgment that something went on here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died recently – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. The Duke has always denied any misconduct. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of liability.

She described the statement by the royal family as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We’re just extremely proud of her, but then the sadness hits because you wish she was here to share this occasion alongside her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she added.

Advocacy Groups React: Significant Message for Victims

Gender equality advocates and advocacy groups also welcomed the move by the royal family, with some saying it sent an important message to survivors of assault.

Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors acknowledged so explicitly in a announcement from the royal household”, adding that it sent a signal that “victims are important, that their experiences are believed, and that they deserve to be at the center of national conversations about abuse”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a welcome recognition that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, misogynistic men.”

However, she added: “Removing a title, or moving house can never be considered true accountability or sufficient punishment. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Describing Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could also be cheeky and humorous.

“This is an regular individual from an ordinary family that achieved something extraordinary and in my opinion that is something the world ought to be proud of.

“She was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and we are finally getting that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a global icon.”

The palace offered no response.