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The historic declaration from Buckingham Palace stripping Prince Andrew of his title is seen as an "acknowledgment" that something occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

In its announcement on Thursday, the palace indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will also leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.

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

Relatives Response: Acknowledgment and Justice

Questioned whether the statement implied that King Charles believes Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, in my view that he’s speaking very clearly in that statement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

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

A family member, 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 wrongdoing did occur.

“It is the very first step for that justice for those impacted. Primarily the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. There was real trauma that affected these young girls.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with the prince on multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of responsibility.

Amanda characterized the announcement by the royal family as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We are so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sorrow hits because you wish she was here to experience this moment together with her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Support Organizations React: Significant Statement for Survivors

Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups likewise applauded the move by the monarchy, with some saying it conveyed an vital message to those affected of abuse.

A representative, head of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so directly in a announcement from the royal household”, adding that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they merit 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 fallen royals, but the females who were abused by entitled, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Removing a honor, or relocating can never be viewed as true accountability or adequate consequence. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a devastating event, and a reminder of the deep effect sexual assault has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could also be playful and goofy.

“This is an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that did something remarkable and in my opinion that is something the world ought to be admiring of.

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

The palace declined to comment.