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The historic declaration from Buckingham Palace removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "acknowledgment" that something happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

Through its announcement on Thursday, the palace indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will additionally vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

The statement ended with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their considerations and utmost sympathies are and will continue to be with the victims and those who endured of any and all forms of abuse.”

Family Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Questioned whether this implied that King Charles believes Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, in my view that his words convey distinctly in that announcement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that events took place, incidents transpired. There has been a change,” he noted.

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

“This represents the very first step for that justice for survivors. It is first the admission that events unfolded here. There was real trauma that happened to these young girls.”

In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away recently – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of liability.

She described the statement by the palace as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We are so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sadness hits because one hopes she could be present to experience this occasion alongside her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Significant Message for Victims

Women’s rights advocates and advocacy groups likewise applauded the decision by the royal family, with some indicating it conveyed an important signal to those affected of assault.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a announcement from the palace”, adding that it sent a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the heart of national conversations about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “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 privileged, misogynistic men.”

However, she continued: “Stripping a title, or moving house can never be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the profound impact sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Describing Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be playful and humorous.

“Here we have an regular individual from an ordinary family that achieved something extraordinary and in my opinion that is something the world should be proud of.

“She was this strong warrior who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and we are at last getting that recognition that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace declined to comment.