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The momentous declaration from Buckingham Palace removing Prince Andrew of his title is regarded as an "recognition" that something occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

In its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment said that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will additionally vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

The statement concluded with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest empathy are and will continue to be with the victims and survivors of every forms of abuse.”

Family Response: Recognition and Justice

Asked whether this suggested that King Charles believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, in my view that his words convey very clearly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“It’s an acknowledgment that events took place, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a shift,” he added.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is huge. We haven’t seen that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this situation is an affirmation that abuse took place.

“It is the very first step for that resolution for survivors. Primarily the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. There was real trauma that happened to these young girls.”

In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away recently – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of responsibility.

She characterized the statement by the royal family as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We’re just so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sorrow strikes because you wish she could be present to share this moment together with her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Advocacy Groups React: Powerful Message for Survivors

Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups likewise applauded the move by the monarchy, with some indicating it sent an important signal to survivors of assault.

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a statement from the royal household”, noting that it delivered a signal that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the center of national conversations about mistreatment”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a positive acknowledgment that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by privileged, misogynistic men.”

However, she continued: “Stripping a title, or moving house can never be considered genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a devastating event, and a indication of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Describing Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be playful and goofy.

“This is an regular individual 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 stood her ground and refused to stay silent and now we are finally receiving that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace declined to comment.