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The momentous declaration from Buckingham Palace removing Prince Andrew of his royal status is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that events happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

In its statement on the specified day, the palace indicated that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will additionally vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

Their announcement ended with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and utmost empathy are and will continue to be with the victims and those who endured of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Family Response: Recognition and Justice

Questioned whether this suggested that King Charles trusts Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, in my view that his words convey 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 change,” he added.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is huge. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this case is an acknowledgment that abuse took place.

“This represents the initial step for that justice for survivors. It is first the admission that events unfolded here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these adolescent females.”

In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died recently – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions. The Duke has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of responsibility.

She described the announcement by the palace as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We are so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because one hopes she was here to experience this occasion together with her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she added.

Advocacy Groups React: Significant Statement for Victims

Women’s rights campaigners and advocacy groups likewise welcomed the decision by the royal family, with several saying it conveyed an vital signal to survivors of assault.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see victims recognised so explicitly in a statement 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 heart of national discussions about abuse”.

Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a positive recognition that the true sufferers here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the females who were abused by entitled, misogynistic men.”

However, she added: “Stripping a title, or relocating can not be considered true accountability or adequate consequence. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the profound impact sexual assault has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could also be cheeky and goofy.

“This is an regular individual from an ordinary family that achieved something remarkable and in my opinion that is something the global community ought to be proud of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and we are finally receiving that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a world hero.”

Royal officials declined to comment.