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This historic declaration from Buckingham Palace stripping Prince Andrew of his royal status is seen as an "recognition" that events occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

In its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will also leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

The statement concluded with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their considerations and utmost empathy have been and will remain with the affected individuals and survivors of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Family Response: Recognition and Justice

Asked whether the statement implied that the monarch believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, in my view that he’s speaking distinctly in that statement when he states he’s with survivors out there.

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

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is significant. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and recognizing that there are survivors in this case is an affirmation that abuse did occur.

“This represents the very first step for that justice for those impacted. Primarily the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with the prince on three separate occasions. The Duke has always denied any misconduct. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of liability.

She characterized the statement by the palace as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We are extremely proud of her, but then the sadness hits because you wish she was here to experience this occasion alongside her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she continued.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Significant Message for Victims

Gender equality advocates and support organizations likewise welcomed the move by the royal family, with several saying it sent an vital signal to those affected 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”, noting that it sent a message that “victims are important, that their ordeals are believed, and that they merit to be at the heart of public conversations about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a welcome acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the females who were abused by entitled, prejudiced men.”

However, she continued: “Removing a title, or moving house can never be considered true accountability or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a devastating event, and a indication of the deep effect sexual assault has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Describing Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be playful and humorous.

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

“She was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and we are at last receiving that recognition that she indeed represented a world hero.”

Royal officials offered no response.