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This momentous declaration from Buckingham Palace stripping Prince Andrew of his royal status is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that something happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

Through its announcement on the specified day, the royal establishment said that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will additionally vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

The statement concluded with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their thoughts and deepest sympathies have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of every forms of mistreatment.”

Family Response: Acknowledgment and Justice

Asked whether the statement implied that King Charles believes Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, I think that he’s speaking very clearly in that statement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that events took place, something has happened. We are witnessing a change,” he added.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is huge. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this case is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing did occur.

“This represents the very first step for that justice for those impacted. It is first the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. There was genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away recently – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of liability.

Amanda characterized the statement by the palace as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We are so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sorrow hits because you wish she was here to share this occasion alongside her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she added.

Support Organizations React: Significant Statement for Survivors

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

Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see victims recognised so directly in a announcement from the palace”, adding that it sent a message that “victims are important, that their experiences are believed, and that they deserve to be at the heart of public conversations about mistreatment”.

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

However, she added: “Stripping a honor, or moving house can not be viewed as genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the deep effect sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be cheeky and humorous.

“This is an regular individual from an ordinary family that did something remarkable and I think that is something the global community should be admiring of.

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

The palace declined to comment.