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The momentous statement from Buckingham Palace removing Prince Andrew of his title is seen as an "recognition" that events happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

Through its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will additionally leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

Their announcement concluded with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their thoughts and utmost empathy have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Family Response: Recognition and Accountability

Questioned whether the statement suggested that the monarch believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, I think that his words convey very clearly in that statement when he states he’s with survivors out there.

“It’s an admission that something occurred, something has happened. We are witnessing a change,” he noted.

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

“It is the very first step for that justice for survivors. Primarily the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. This involved real trauma that affected these adolescent females.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has consistently refuted any misconduct. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of responsibility.

Amanda characterized the statement by the royal family as a “victory” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We are extremely admiring of her, but then the sorrow strikes because you wish she could be present to experience this occasion together with her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she continued.

Support Organizations React: Powerful Message for Survivors

Gender equality advocates and support organizations also applauded the decision by the royal family, with several saying it sent an important message to survivors of assault.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a announcement from the royal household”, adding that it delivered a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they merit to be at the center of public discussions about abuse”.

Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a positive acknowledgment that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were abused by privileged, prejudiced men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Stripping a honor, or moving house can never be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a devastating event, and a indication of the profound impact sexual assault has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could also be cheeky and humorous.

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

“She was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and spoke out courageously and we are at last getting that recognition that she truly was a global icon.”

The palace declined to comment.