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The historic statement from Buckingham Palace stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "recognition" that events happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.

In its statement on Thursday, the palace said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will additionally vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.

Their announcement ended with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been and will remain with the affected individuals and those who endured of every forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Reaction: Acknowledgment and Accountability

Questioned whether this implied that King Charles trusts Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, I think that his words convey distinctly in that statement when he states he’s with survivors out there.

“It’s an acknowledgment that events took place, something has happened. There has been a shift,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is huge. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this case is an affirmation that abuse did occur.

“This represents the very first step for that justice for survivors. It is first the admission that events unfolded here. This involved real trauma that happened to these adolescent females.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with the prince on multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any misconduct. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of responsibility.

Amanda characterized the statement by the palace as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We’re just extremely proud of her, but then the sorrow hits because you wish she could be present to experience this moment alongside her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Powerful Statement for Victims

Gender equality campaigners and support organizations likewise welcomed the move by the monarchy, with some indicating it conveyed an vital message to those affected of abuse.

Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims recognised so explicitly in a announcement from the palace”, noting that it delivered a signal that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the heart of public conversations about abuse”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “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, prejudiced men.”

Nonetheless, she continued: “Removing a honor, or moving house can never be viewed as true accountability or adequate consequence. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the deep effect abuse has on women and girls.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be playful and goofy.

“Here we have an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that achieved something extraordinary and I think that is something the global community ought to be admiring of.

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and we are at last getting that recognition that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace offered no response.