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This momentous statement from Buckingham Palace removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is regarded as an "recognition" that something happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.

In its announcement on the specified day, the palace indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will also vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

Their announcement concluded with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the affected individuals and survivors of every forms of mistreatment.”

Family Response: Acknowledgment and Accountability

Questioned whether the statement suggested that the monarch trusts Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, in my view that his words convey distinctly in that statement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

“This is an admission that something occurred, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a change,” he added.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is huge. We haven’t seen that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this situation is an acknowledgment that abuse took place.

“It is the very first step for that resolution for survivors. It is first the acknowledgment that something went on here. There was genuine suffering that affected these young girls.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, 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 estimated £12m with no admission of responsibility.

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

“We’re just extremely proud of her, but then the sorrow hits because one hopes she was here to experience this moment alongside her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Support Organizations Respond: Significant Message for Victims

Women’s rights advocates and advocacy groups also welcomed the move by the royal family, with some indicating it conveyed an important message to those affected of assault.

Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so directly in a statement from the royal household”, noting that it sent a signal that “victims are important, that their experiences are trusted, and that they merit to be at the center of public conversations about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a welcome acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the females who were sexually assaulted by privileged, misogynistic men.”

However, she added: “Removing a honor, or moving house can never be viewed as genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the deep effect sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Describing Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be playful and humorous.

“Here we have an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that did 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 refused to stay silent and we are finally receiving that acknowledgment that she truly was a world hero.”

The palace offered no response.