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This historic statement from the royal household removing Prince Andrew of his royal status is regarded as an "recognition" that events happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

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

The statement ended with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their considerations and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the affected individuals and survivors of every forms of mistreatment.”

Family Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Questioned whether the statement implied that the monarch trusts Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, I think that his words convey very clearly in that announcement 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.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is significant. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this situation is an affirmation that wrongdoing did occur.

“It is the initial step for that justice for survivors. Primarily 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 passed away earlier this year – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of liability.

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

“We’re just so exceptionally proud of her, but then the sadness hits because you wish she could be present to share this occasion alongside her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Advocacy Groups React: Significant Statement for Victims

Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups also welcomed the decision by the monarchy, with several indicating it conveyed an important signal to those affected of abuse.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so explicitly in a announcement from the royal household”, adding that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the heart of public conversations about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a welcome acknowledgment that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the females who were abused by privileged, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she continued: “Stripping a honor, or moving house can never be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the profound impact abuse has on women and girls.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be cheeky and humorous.

“Here we have an regular individual from an ordinary family that did something remarkable and in my opinion this is something the global community ought to be admiring of.

“She was this strong warrior who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and now we are at last getting that acknowledgment that she truly was a global icon.”

Royal officials declined to comment.