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This historic declaration from Buckingham Palace stripping Prince Andrew of his title is seen as an "recognition" that something happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

In its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will also leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

Their announcement concluded with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their considerations and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the affected individuals and survivors of every forms of abuse.”

Family Response: Recognition and Accountability

Asked whether the statement implied that King Charles trusts Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, I think that he’s speaking very clearly in that statement when he states he’s with survivors out there.

“This is an admission that events took place, something has happened. There has been a shift,” he added.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is significant. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this case is an affirmation that wrongdoing took place.

“This represents the initial step for that justice for survivors. It is first the admission that something went on here. This involved genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with the prince on three separate occasions. The Duke has consistently refuted any misconduct. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of responsibility.

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

“We are extremely proud of her, but then the sadness hits because you wish she could be present to share this occasion together with her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Significant Message for Victims

Gender equality advocates and support organizations also applauded the decision by the monarchy, with several indicating it conveyed an important signal to those affected of abuse.

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 message that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are believed, and that they deserve to be at the center of national conversations about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a positive acknowledgment that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were abused by entitled, misogynistic men.”

However, she continued: “Removing a honor, or moving house can never be considered genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the deep effect sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could also be cheeky and humorous.

“This is an regular individual from an typical background that achieved something remarkable and in my opinion this is something the world should be admiring of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and we are at last getting that recognition that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace declined to comment.