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This momentous statement from Buckingham Palace stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "acknowledgment" that something happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

In its statement on Thursday, the palace indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will additionally vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

The statement ended with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their considerations and utmost sympathies are and will continue to be with the victims and those who endured of every forms of abuse.”

Family Response: Acknowledgment and Justice

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

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

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is huge. We haven’t seen that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this case is an affirmation that wrongdoing did occur.

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

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had sex with the prince on multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any misconduct. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of liability.

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

“We are so exceptionally proud of her, but then the sorrow strikes because one hopes she could be present to experience this occasion alongside her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she added.

Support Organizations React: Powerful Statement for Victims

Women’s rights advocates and advocacy groups also applauded the move by the royal family, with some saying it sent an vital message to those affected of abuse.

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see survivors acknowledged so explicitly in a statement from the palace”, adding that it sent a message that “victims are important, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they merit to be at the center 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 fallen royals, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, prejudiced men.”

However, she added: “Stripping a title, or relocating can not be considered 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 women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Describing Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could also be playful and goofy.

“Here we have an ordinary girl from an typical background that did something remarkable and I think this is something the world should be admiring of.

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

Royal officials declined to comment.