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

In its announcement on the specified day, the palace indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will additionally vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

The statement ended with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and utmost sympathies are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and those who endured of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Family Reaction: Acknowledgment and Justice

Asked whether this suggested that King Charles trusts Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, I think that he’s speaking distinctly in that statement when he states he’s with survivors out there.

“It’s an admission that events took place, something has happened. We are witnessing a shift,” he added.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is huge. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and recognizing that there are survivors in this case is an acknowledgment that abuse took place.

“This represents the initial step for that resolution for those impacted. It is first the acknowledgment that something went on here. This involved genuine suffering that happened to these adolescent females.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any misconduct. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of responsibility.

She characterized the statement by the palace as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We’re just extremely proud of her, but then the sadness strikes because you wish she could be present to share this moment together with her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she added.

Support Organizations React: Powerful Message for Victims

Gender equality advocates and advocacy groups also applauded the decision by the monarchy, with several saying it sent an vital signal to survivors of assault.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims recognised so directly in a announcement from the royal household”, noting that it delivered a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the heart of national conversations about abuse”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a positive recognition that the true sufferers here are not discomfited officials or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by privileged, prejudiced men.”

However, she continued: “Removing a title, or moving house can never be viewed as true accountability or adequate consequence. In fact, 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"

Describing Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be cheeky and goofy.

“Here we have an regular individual from an typical background that did something remarkable and in my opinion this is something the global community ought to be proud of.

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who refused to back down and spoke out courageously and we are finally receiving that recognition that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace declined to comment.