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This historic statement from the royal household stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is regarded as an "recognition" that something occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.

In its announcement on the specified day, the palace indicated that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will also vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

The statement ended with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been and will remain with the affected individuals and survivors of every forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Reaction: Acknowledgment and Justice

Asked whether the statement implied that the monarch trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, I think that he’s speaking distinctly in that announcement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an admission that events took place, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a shift,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is significant. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this case is an acknowledgment that abuse did occur.

“This represents the very first step for that justice for those impacted. Primarily the admission that something went on here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these adolescent females.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away recently – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with the prince on three separate occasions. He has always denied any misconduct. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of liability.

Amanda characterized the statement by the palace as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We are extremely admiring of her, but then the sorrow hits because one hopes she could be present to share this occasion together with her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she continued.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Significant Statement for Survivors

Women’s rights campaigners and support organizations likewise welcomed the move by the monarchy, with several saying it conveyed an important message to survivors of abuse.

A representative, head of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a announcement from the royal household”, noting that it delivered a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are trusted, and that they merit to be at the heart of public conversations about abuse”.

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

However, she added: “Stripping a honor, or relocating can not be considered true accountability or adequate consequence. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a devastating event, and a indication of the profound impact sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, 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 global community ought to be admiring of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and spoke out courageously and now we are finally getting that recognition that she truly was a global icon.”

Royal officials declined to comment.