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This historic declaration from the royal household stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is regarded as an "recognition" that events happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

Through its announcement on the specified day, the royal establishment said that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will additionally vacate his mansion 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 aim to emphasize that their considerations and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of every forms of abuse.”

Family Reaction: Acknowledgment and Justice

Questioned whether the statement implied that King Charles trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, I think that he’s speaking distinctly in that statement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

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

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is huge. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing took place.

“This represents the initial step for that resolution for those impacted. Primarily the admission that events unfolded here. There was genuine suffering that affected these young girls.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away recently – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had sex with the prince on multiple instances. The Duke has always denied any misconduct. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of liability.

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

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

Support Organizations React: Powerful Statement for Survivors

Women’s rights advocates and advocacy groups likewise applauded the move by the monarchy, with several indicating it conveyed an important message to survivors of abuse.

A representative, head of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims acknowledged so directly in a statement from the palace”, adding that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are believed, 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 welcome acknowledgment that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, misogynistic men.”

However, she added: “Removing a title, or moving house can not be viewed as genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be playful and goofy.

“This is an regular individual from an ordinary family that did something extraordinary and I think this is something the world should be proud of.

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who refused to back down and spoke out courageously and now we are at last getting that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a global icon.”

The palace offered no response.