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This historic declaration from Buckingham Palace removing Prince Andrew of his title is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that something occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.

Through its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will also vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

Their announcement concluded with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their considerations and utmost sympathies have been and will remain with the affected individuals and those who endured of every forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Reaction: Acknowledgment and Accountability

Questioned whether the statement suggested that the monarch believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, in my view that his words convey distinctly in that announcement when he states he’s with survivors out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that events took place, something has happened. We are witnessing a shift,” he added.

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

“It is the very first step for that justice for survivors. Primarily the admission that events unfolded here. There was genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of responsibility.

She described the announcement by the palace as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We’re just extremely admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because one hopes she was here to share this moment alongside her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she continued.

Support Organizations React: Powerful Message for Victims

Gender equality advocates and advocacy groups also welcomed the move by the monarchy, with several saying it sent an important message to those affected of abuse.

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors acknowledged so directly in a announcement from the palace”, noting that it sent a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are believed, and that they merit to be at the heart of national discussions about abuse”.

Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a welcome acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, prejudiced men.”

However, she continued: “Removing a honor, or relocating can never be viewed as genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the profound impact sexual assault has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

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

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

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

The palace offered no response.