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The momentous declaration from Buckingham Palace removing Prince Andrew of his royal status is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that something occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.

In its announcement on the specified day, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will also leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

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

Family Response: Recognition and Accountability

Questioned whether the statement implied that the monarch believes Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, in my view that he’s speaking very clearly in that statement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that something occurred, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a change,” he noted.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is significant. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and recognizing that there are survivors in this situation is an acknowledgment that abuse did occur.

“This represents the very first step for that resolution for those impacted. It is first the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. There was real trauma that affected these adolescent females.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – reiterated claims 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 responsibility.

She characterized the announcement by the palace as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

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

Advocacy Groups React: Powerful Message for Survivors

Women’s rights campaigners and advocacy groups also applauded the decision by the monarchy, with some saying it conveyed an important message to those affected of abuse.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims acknowledged so directly in a statement from the palace”, 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 discussions about abuse”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a welcome acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by privileged, misogynistic men.”

However, she continued: “Removing a honor, or relocating can never be viewed as genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a devastating event, and a indication of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Describing Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could also be playful and humorous.

“This is an regular individual from an typical background that did something extraordinary and I think that is something the global community should be admiring of.

“She was this strong warrior who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and now we are finally receiving that recognition that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace declined to comment.