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The historic statement from Buckingham Palace stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is seen as an "acknowledgment" that something happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.

In its announcement on the specified day, the palace said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will also leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.

Their announcement concluded with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their thoughts and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Family Response: Recognition and Accountability

Questioned whether this suggested that the monarch trusts Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, I think that he’s speaking very clearly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“It’s an admission that something occurred, incidents transpired. There has been a shift,” he noted.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is huge. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and recognizing that there are survivors in this case is an affirmation that abuse took place.

“This represents the initial step for that resolution for those impacted. Primarily the admission that something went on here. This involved real trauma that happened to these young girls.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of liability.

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

“We’re just extremely proud of her, but then the sorrow hits because you wish she was here to share this moment alongside her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she continued.

Support Organizations Respond: Powerful Message for Survivors

Women’s rights campaigners and support organizations also applauded the move by the royal family, with some saying it conveyed an vital message to survivors of assault.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see victims acknowledged so directly in a announcement from the palace”, noting that it sent a signal that “victims are important, that their experiences are believed, and that they merit to be at the center of public discussions about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “this 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, misogynistic men.”

However, she continued: “Removing a title, or moving house can not be considered genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be cheeky and goofy.

“Here we have an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that achieved something remarkable and in my opinion that is something the global community ought to be admiring of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and we are finally getting that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace offered no response.