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The momentous declaration from Buckingham Palace stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "recognition" that events occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

Through its statement on the specified day, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will additionally vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

The statement concluded with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and utmost empathy have been and will remain with the victims and those who endured of any and all forms of abuse.”

Relatives Response: Acknowledgment and Justice

Asked whether the statement implied that the monarch believes Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, in my view that he’s speaking very clearly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“It’s an admission that something occurred, something has happened. There has been a change,” he added.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is huge. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and recognizing that there are survivors in this situation is an acknowledgment that abuse took place.

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

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with the prince on multiple instances. He has consistently refuted any misconduct. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of responsibility.

Amanda characterized the statement by the palace as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We’re just extremely admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because you wish she was here to share this moment alongside her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she added.

Support Organizations React: Powerful Message for Survivors

Women’s rights advocates and support organizations also applauded the move by the royal family, with several saying it conveyed an vital signal to those affected of abuse.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a announcement from the palace”, adding that it delivered a signal that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the heart of public conversations about abuse”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a positive acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, misogynistic men.”

However, she added: “Removing a honor, or relocating can not be viewed as genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a devastating event, and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could also be playful and goofy.

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

“She was this strong warrior who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and we are at last getting that recognition that she indeed represented a global icon.”

The palace offered no response.