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This historic declaration from the royal household stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is seen as an "recognition" that events occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

Through its statement on Thursday, the palace indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will additionally leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

Their announcement concluded with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their considerations and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the victims and those who endured of every forms of mistreatment.”

Family Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Questioned whether the statement suggested that the monarch trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, in my view that he’s speaking distinctly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“It’s an acknowledgment that events took place, something has happened. There has been a shift,” he noted.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is huge. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this case is an acknowledgment that abuse did occur.

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

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of responsibility.

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

“We are extremely admiring of her, but then the sorrow hits because you wish she could be present to share this moment alongside her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she added.

Support Organizations React: Significant Statement for Survivors

Women’s rights campaigners and support organizations also welcomed the move by the monarchy, with several saying it sent an important message to survivors of abuse.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see victims recognised so directly in a statement from the palace”, noting that it sent a message that “victims are important, that their experiences are believed, and that they merit to be at the center of national conversations about abuse”.

Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a positive recognition that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the females who were sexually assaulted by privileged, prejudiced men.”

However, she added: “Stripping a title, or relocating can never be viewed as genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a devastating event, and a indication of the deep effect sexual assault has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

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

“Here we have an regular individual from an typical background that did something extraordinary and I think that is something the global community should be proud of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and spoke out courageously and we are finally receiving that recognition that she indeed represented a global icon.”

Royal officials declined to comment.