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

In its statement on the specified day, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will also vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

The statement concluded with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest empathy are and will continue to be with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”

Relatives Reaction: Acknowledgment and Justice

Asked whether this suggested that King Charles believes Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, in my view that his words convey very clearly in that announcement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an acknowledgment that something occurred, something has happened. There has been a shift,” he noted.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is significant. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and recognizing that there are survivors in this case is an affirmation that abuse took place.

“This represents the initial step for that resolution for those impacted. It is first 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 died earlier this year – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with the prince on three separate occasions. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of responsibility.

She described the announcement by the royal family as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We are extremely admiring of her, but then the sorrow strikes because one hopes she was here to experience this occasion together with her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she added.

Support Organizations React: Significant Statement for Survivors

Gender equality campaigners and support organizations also welcomed the decision by the monarchy, with some saying it conveyed an important message to those affected of abuse.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a statement from the palace”, adding that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they merit to be at the heart of public conversations about abuse”.

Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a positive recognition that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by privileged, prejudiced men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Removing a honor, or relocating can not be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a devastating event, and a indication of the profound impact sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

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

“Here we have an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that achieved something extraordinary and I think that is something the global community ought to be proud of.

“She was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and now we are finally receiving that recognition that she indeed represented a world hero.”

Royal officials offered no response.