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This historic declaration from Buckingham Palace stripping Prince Andrew of his title is seen as an "acknowledgment" that something happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.

Through its announcement on the specified day, the palace said that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will also vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

The statement ended with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their thoughts and utmost sympathies are and will continue to be with the victims and survivors of every forms of mistreatment.”

Family Reaction: Acknowledgment and Justice

Questioned whether the statement suggested that King Charles believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, I think that his words convey very clearly in that statement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an acknowledgment that something occurred, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a shift,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is significant. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this situation is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing did occur.

“This represents the very first step for that justice for those impacted. It is first the admission that something went on here. There was real trauma that happened to these young girls.”

In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. He has always denied any misconduct. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of responsibility.

She characterized the statement by the royal family as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We are so exceptionally proud of her, but then the sorrow hits because you wish she could be present to experience this moment together with her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she added.

Support Organizations React: Significant Statement for Victims

Women’s rights campaigners and support organizations also welcomed the move by the monarchy, with some saying it conveyed an vital signal to survivors of assault.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors acknowledged so directly in a statement from the palace”, adding that it sent a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the heart of national discussions about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a positive acknowledgment that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were abused by entitled, misogynistic men.”

However, she added: “Removing a honor, or moving house can never be viewed as genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the deep effect abuse has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could also be playful and humorous.

“Here we have an regular individual from an ordinary family that did something remarkable and I think this is something the world ought to be admiring of.

“She was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and we are at last receiving that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a global icon.”

The palace offered no response.