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The historic statement from Buckingham Palace removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is seen as an "recognition" that something happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

In its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will additionally vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

The statement ended with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their considerations and utmost sympathies are and will continue to be with the victims and those who endured of any and all forms of abuse.”

Relatives Reaction: Acknowledgment and Justice

Asked whether the statement suggested that the monarch trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, in my view that he’s speaking very clearly in that announcement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

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

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is significant. It's unprecedented 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 resolution for those impacted. It is first the admission that something went on here. This involved genuine suffering that happened to these adolescent females.”

In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions. The Duke has consistently refuted any misconduct. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of liability.

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

“We’re just so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because one hopes she could be present to experience this moment alongside her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she added.

Advocacy Groups React: Significant Statement for Survivors

Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups likewise welcomed the move by the royal family, with several saying it sent an vital message to survivors of abuse.

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so directly in a announcement from the palace”, adding that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they merit to be at the heart of public conversations about mistreatment”.

Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a welcome acknowledgment that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or fallen royals, but the females who were abused by privileged, prejudiced men.”

However, she continued: “Removing a title, or relocating can not be considered genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be playful and humorous.

“Here we have an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that achieved something extraordinary and in my opinion this is something the world should be proud of.

“She was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and now we are at last receiving that recognition that she indeed represented a global icon.”

Royal officials declined to comment.