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

In its announcement on the specified day, the royal establishment said that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will also vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

Their announcement ended with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest empathy are and will continue to be with the victims and those who endured of any and all forms of abuse.”

Family Reaction: Acknowledgment and Accountability

Questioned whether this suggested that the monarch believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, I think that his words convey distinctly in that statement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that something occurred, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a shift,” he noted.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is significant. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and recognizing that there are survivors in this situation is an acknowledgment that abuse did occur.

“This represents the initial step for that resolution for survivors. Primarily the admission that events unfolded here. This involved real trauma that happened to these young girls.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with the prince on multiple instances. The Duke has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of liability.

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

“We are extremely admiring of her, but then the sorrow hits because one hopes she was here to share this occasion alongside her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she added.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Significant Message for Victims

Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups also welcomed the decision by the monarchy, with some saying it conveyed an important signal to survivors of abuse.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a announcement from the palace”, adding that it delivered a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they deserve to be at the center of national conversations about abuse”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a positive acknowledgment that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the females who were abused by entitled, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Removing a title, or moving house can not be considered genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the profound impact abuse has on women and girls.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

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

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

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and now we are at last getting that recognition that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace declined to comment.