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This momentous statement from Buckingham Palace stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is regarded as an "recognition" that events happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

In its announcement on the specified day, the palace indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will also vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

Their announcement ended with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their thoughts and deepest empathy are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and survivors of every forms of abuse.”

Family Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Questioned whether this suggested that the monarch trusts Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, I think that his words convey distinctly in that statement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“This is an admission that events took place, something has happened. There has been a change,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is significant. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an affirmation that abuse took place.

“It is the initial step for that resolution for those impacted. Primarily the admission that something went on here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away recently – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with the prince on multiple instances. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of responsibility.

Amanda described the statement by the royal family as a “victory” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We’re just so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sadness hits because you wish she was here to share this occasion together with her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she added.

Support Organizations React: Powerful Statement for Victims

Women’s rights advocates and advocacy groups also applauded the move by the royal family, with several indicating it sent an vital signal to survivors of abuse.

Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see victims recognised so explicitly in a announcement from the royal household”, noting that it sent a message that “victims are important, that their ordeals are believed, and that they deserve to be at the center of national conversations about mistreatment”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a welcome acknowledgment that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by entitled, misogynistic men.”

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

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

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

“Here we have an ordinary girl from an typical background that did something remarkable and I think this is something the global community should be admiring of.

“She was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and spoke out courageously and we are finally getting that recognition that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace declined to comment.