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The momentous statement from Buckingham Palace stripping Prince Andrew of his royal status is seen as an "acknowledgment" that something occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.

Through its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will additionally leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

The statement ended with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their considerations and deepest sympathies are and will continue to be with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Family Response: Recognition and Justice

Asked whether the statement suggested that the monarch believes Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, in my view that his words convey distinctly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

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

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is significant. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an affirmation that wrongdoing took place.

“This represents the very first step for that justice for those impacted. It is first the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. There was real trauma that happened to these adolescent females.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions. The Duke has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of liability.

Amanda characterized the announcement by the palace as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

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

Support Organizations Respond: Powerful Statement for Victims

Women’s rights campaigners and advocacy groups likewise welcomed the move by the royal family, with some indicating it conveyed an vital message to those affected of assault.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see survivors recognised so directly in a announcement from the palace”, noting that it sent a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are believed, and that they merit to be at the center of national discussions about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a positive recognition that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by privileged, misogynistic men.”

However, she continued: “Stripping a honor, or relocating can not be considered true accountability or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the deep effect abuse has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Describing Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be cheeky and humorous.

“This is an regular individual from an typical background that achieved something extraordinary and in my opinion this is something the world ought to be proud of.

“She was this strong warrior who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and we are finally getting that acknowledgment that she truly was a global icon.”

The palace offered no response.