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The historic statement from Buckingham Palace removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is regarded as an "recognition" that events occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

Through its statement on Thursday, the palace said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will also leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

The statement ended with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest empathy are and will continue to be with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”

Family Response: Recognition and Justice

Asked whether this suggested that King Charles trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, in my view that his words convey distinctly in that statement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that something occurred, something has happened. We are witnessing a change,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is significant. We haven’t seen that from other parties, and recognizing that there are survivors in this case is an affirmation that wrongdoing took place.

“This represents the initial step for that justice for those impacted. It is first the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. This involved genuine suffering that happened to 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 multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any misconduct. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of responsibility.

Amanda described the announcement by the palace as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

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

Support Organizations React: Significant Message for Survivors

Women’s rights campaigners and advocacy groups also applauded the decision by the monarchy, with some saying it conveyed an important signal to survivors of abuse.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see survivors acknowledged so explicitly in a statement from the palace”, adding that it delivered a message that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they deserve to be at the heart of public discussions about mistreatment”.

Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a positive recognition that the true sufferers here are not discomfited officials or fallen royals, but the females who were abused by privileged, prejudiced men.”

However, she continued: “Stripping a honor, or relocating can not be considered genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the deep effect abuse has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

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

“Here we have an regular individual from an ordinary family that did something remarkable and I think this is something the world should be admiring of.

“She was this strong warrior who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and now we are at last receiving that acknowledgment that she truly was a world hero.”

The palace offered no response.