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This momentous declaration from the royal household removing Prince Andrew of his title is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that events happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

Through its announcement on Thursday, the palace indicated that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will additionally vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

Their announcement ended with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their considerations and utmost sympathies have been and will remain with the victims and those who endured of every forms of abuse.”

Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Accountability

Asked whether this suggested that King Charles believes Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, in my view that his words convey very clearly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that events took place, incidents transpired. There has been a shift,” he noted.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is huge. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this situation is an affirmation that wrongdoing took place.

“This represents the very first step for that resolution for those impacted. Primarily the admission that something went on here. This involved genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away recently – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with the prince on multiple instances. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of responsibility.

She characterized the statement by the palace as a “victory” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We are so exceptionally proud of her, but then the sadness hits because you wish she was here to experience this occasion alongside her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she continued.

Support Organizations React: Powerful Message for Survivors

Women’s rights advocates and advocacy groups also applauded the move by the royal family, with some saying it sent an important signal to those affected of assault.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see survivors acknowledged so directly in a statement from the royal household”, adding that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their experiences are believed, and that they deserve to be at the heart of public discussions about abuse”.

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

However, she added: “Removing a honor, or moving house can never be considered genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault has on women and girls.”

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 cheeky and goofy.

“This is an regular individual from an ordinary family that did something remarkable and I think that is something the global community should be proud of.

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and now we are at last getting that recognition that she indeed represented a world hero.”

Royal officials declined to comment.