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This momentous statement from the royal household stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "recognition" that events happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

Through its announcement on Thursday, the palace said that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will also leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

Their announcement concluded with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their considerations and utmost empathy are and will continue to be with the victims and survivors of every forms of mistreatment.”

Family Response: Acknowledgment and Justice

Questioned whether the statement implied that King Charles believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, 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 something occurred, something has happened. There has been a change,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is significant. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this situation is an affirmation that wrongdoing did occur.

“It is the initial step for that resolution for survivors. Primarily the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. This involved real trauma that happened to these young girls.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions. The Duke has always denied any misconduct. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of liability.

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

“We’re just so exceptionally proud of her, but then the sadness hits because one hopes she could be present to experience this occasion alongside her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Advocacy Groups React: Significant Message for Victims

Women’s rights advocates and advocacy groups also welcomed the decision by the royal family, with some saying it conveyed an important message to those affected of assault.

Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims recognised so explicitly in a statement from the palace”, noting that it delivered a message 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 positive acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were abused by privileged, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Stripping a honor, or relocating can not be viewed as genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a devastating event, and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

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

“Here we have an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that did something extraordinary and in my opinion that is something the world should be admiring of.

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and we are finally getting that recognition that she truly was a world hero.”

The palace declined to comment.