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This historic statement from the royal household removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that events happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

Through its announcement on Thursday, the palace indicated that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will also vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

The statement ended with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost empathy are and will continue to be with the victims and those who endured of every forms of mistreatment.”

Family Response: Acknowledgment and Accountability

Asked whether this implied that King Charles believes Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, I think that he’s speaking very clearly in that announcement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an admission that something occurred, incidents transpired. There has been 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 anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an acknowledgment that abuse did occur.

“This represents the initial step for that justice for those impacted. It is first the admission that events unfolded here. There was real trauma that happened to these young girls.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with the prince on multiple instances. He has always denied any misconduct. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of responsibility.

She described the announcement by the royal family as a “victory” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We’re just so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because one hopes she was here to experience this moment together with her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she added.

Support Organizations Respond: Significant Message for Survivors

Gender equality campaigners and support organizations also applauded the move by the monarchy, with some saying it sent an important signal to those affected of assault.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so directly in a announcement from the royal household”, noting that it sent a signal that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are believed, and that they merit to be at the heart of national discussions about abuse”.

Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a positive acknowledgment that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were abused by privileged, misogynistic men.”

However, she added: “Removing a title, or relocating can never be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a devastating event, and a reminder of the deep effect sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could also be cheeky and humorous.

“This is an regular individual from an ordinary family that achieved something remarkable and I think that is something the global community ought to be proud of.

“She was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and we are finally receiving that recognition that she truly was a global icon.”

Royal officials offered no response.