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This historic declaration from the royal household removing Prince Andrew of his royal status is regarded as an "recognition" that something occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

In its statement on the specified day, the palace indicated that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will additionally vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

The statement ended with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of every forms of mistreatment.”

Family Response: Recognition and Accountability

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

“This is an acknowledgment that something occurred, incidents transpired. There has been a shift,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is significant. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an affirmation that wrongdoing took place.

“This represents the initial step for that justice for those impacted. Primarily the admission that something went on here. This involved genuine suffering that affected these young girls.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with the prince on multiple instances. He has always denied any misconduct. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of responsibility.

She described the statement by the palace as a “victory” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We are so exceptionally proud of her, but then the sorrow strikes because one hopes she was here to experience this occasion together with her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she continued.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Powerful Statement for Survivors

Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups likewise applauded the move by the monarchy, with several indicating it sent an vital message to survivors of abuse.

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so directly in a announcement from the palace”, noting that it sent a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they merit to be at the heart of public conversations about mistreatment”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a positive recognition that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the females who were sexually assaulted by privileged, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she continued: “Stripping a title, or moving house can never be viewed as genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a devastating event, and a indication of the profound impact sexual assault has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Describing Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could also be cheeky and goofy.

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

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

The palace declined to comment.