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The momentous declaration from Buckingham Palace removing Prince Andrew of his royal status is seen as an "acknowledgment" that events happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

Through its statement on the specified day, the palace indicated that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will also vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

The statement 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.”

Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Accountability

Questioned whether the statement implied that King Charles trusts Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, I think that his words convey distinctly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

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

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is huge. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and recognizing that there are survivors in this case is an affirmation that abuse did occur.

“This represents the very first step for that justice for those impacted. It is first the admission that events unfolded here. This involved genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions. The Duke has consistently refuted any misconduct. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of responsibility.

Amanda described the statement by the royal family as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We’re just extremely admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because one hopes she was here to share this occasion alongside her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Support Organizations React: Significant Statement for Victims

Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups likewise applauded the move by the royal family, with several saying it conveyed an important signal to survivors of abuse.

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so explicitly in a statement from the royal household”, adding that it sent a message that “victims are important, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the heart of national conversations about mistreatment”.

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

However, she added: “Stripping a honor, or relocating can never be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a devastating event, and a indication of the deep effect abuse has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

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

“Here we have an regular individual from an ordinary family that achieved something extraordinary and I think that is something the world should be admiring of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and we are at last receiving that recognition that she truly was a world hero.”

Royal officials declined to comment.