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This momentous statement from Buckingham Palace stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "acknowledgment" that events happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

In its announcement on the specified day, the royal establishment said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will also leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

The statement ended with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest sympathies have been and will remain with the affected individuals and those who endured of every forms of abuse.”

Family Response: Recognition and Justice

Questioned whether the statement suggested that the monarch believes Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, in my view that he’s speaking distinctly in that announcement when he states he’s with survivors out there.

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

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is significant. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this case is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing took place.

“It is the initial step for that justice for those impacted. Primarily the admission that something went on here. There was real trauma that happened to these young girls.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any misconduct. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of responsibility.

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

“We’re just so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sadness hits because you wish she could be present 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 Victims

Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups likewise applauded the decision by the royal family, with several indicating it conveyed an important message to survivors of assault.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a announcement from the palace”, adding that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the center of public conversations about abuse”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a positive recognition that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by entitled, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Stripping a honor, or relocating can never be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a devastating event, and a indication of the deep effect sexual assault has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be playful and goofy.

“This is an ordinary girl from an typical background that achieved something remarkable and I think this is something the global community should be proud of.

“She was this strong warrior who refused to back down and spoke out courageously and we are finally receiving that recognition that she truly was a world hero.”

The palace offered no response.