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This momentous statement from the royal household stripping Prince Andrew of his royal status is regarded as an "recognition" that events happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

In its announcement on the specified day, the palace said that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will also leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

The statement concluded with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and deepest sympathies have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”

Family Response: Recognition and Justice

Questioned whether the statement implied that King Charles believes Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, in my view that his words convey very clearly in that statement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an acknowledgment that events took place, incidents transpired. There has been a change,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is huge. We haven’t seen that from other parties, and recognizing that there are survivors in this situation is an affirmation that wrongdoing took place.

“It is the very first step for that resolution for those impacted. Primarily the admission that events unfolded here. This involved real trauma that affected these young girls.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away recently – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of responsibility.

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

“We are extremely proud of her, but then the sadness hits because you wish she could be present to share this occasion alongside her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she added.

Support Organizations Respond: Powerful Message for Victims

Gender equality campaigners and support organizations likewise applauded the move by the royal family, with some indicating it conveyed an vital message to those affected of assault.

Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors acknowledged so directly in a statement from the royal household”, adding that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their experiences are believed, and that they merit to be at the heart of public discussions about mistreatment”.

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

However, she continued: “Removing a title, or relocating can never be viewed as genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. 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 female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Describing Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be cheeky and humorous.

“This is an regular individual from an typical background that achieved something extraordinary and I think that is something the world should be admiring of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and now we are finally getting that acknowledgment that she truly was a world hero.”

The palace offered no response.