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The momentous statement from the royal household stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "recognition" that events occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

In its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will also vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.

The statement ended with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their considerations and deepest sympathies are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and survivors of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Family Reaction: Recognition and Accountability

Asked whether the statement implied that the monarch trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, in my view that his words convey distinctly in that announcement when he states he’s with survivors out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that events took place, incidents transpired. There has been a shift,” he noted.

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

“This represents the very first step for that justice for those impacted. It is first the acknowledgment that something went on here. This involved genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away recently – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with the prince on multiple instances. He has always denied any misconduct. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of responsibility.

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

“We are extremely admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because you wish she was here to share this occasion together with her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she added.

Advocacy Groups React: Significant Message for Survivors

Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups also welcomed the decision by the monarchy, with several saying it conveyed an important signal to survivors of abuse.

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see survivors recognised so explicitly in a statement from the royal household”, adding that it sent a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they merit to be at the center 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 embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the females who were abused by privileged, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Removing a honor, or relocating can never be viewed as genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a devastating event, and a indication of the profound impact abuse has on women and girls.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

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

“This is an regular individual from an typical background that did something remarkable and I think that is something the world ought to be proud of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and now we are finally receiving that recognition that she indeed represented a world hero.”

Royal officials declined to comment.