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This momentous statement from the royal household stripping Prince Andrew of his royal status is regarded as an "recognition" that events occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

In its announcement on the specified day, the palace said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will additionally leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

Their announcement concluded with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their considerations and deepest sympathies are and will continue to be with the victims and those who endured of any and all forms of abuse.”

Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Accountability

Questioned whether the statement suggested that the monarch trusts Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “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, incidents transpired. There has been a shift,” he added.

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 justice for those impacted. Primarily the acknowledgment that something went on here. There was real trauma that affected these young girls.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with the prince on three separate occasions. The Duke has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of responsibility.

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

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

Support Organizations Respond: Powerful Statement for Victims

Gender equality advocates and advocacy groups also applauded the decision by the royal family, with several indicating it sent an vital message to survivors of abuse.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see survivors acknowledged so explicitly in a statement from the royal household”, noting that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they deserve to be at the center of national conversations about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a welcome acknowledgment that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were abused by privileged, prejudiced men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Removing a title, or relocating can not be considered genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Describing Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be playful and humorous.

“Here we have an regular individual from an typical background that did something remarkable and I think that is something the global community should be proud of.

“She was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and now we are finally receiving that recognition that she truly was a world hero.”

Royal officials offered no response.