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The momentous declaration from the royal household removing Prince Andrew of his royal status is regarded as an "recognition" that events happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.

In its announcement on Thursday, the palace said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will also leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

The statement ended with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their considerations and utmost empathy are and will continue to be with the victims and those who endured of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Response: Acknowledgment and Justice

Questioned whether this implied that King Charles trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, I think that his words convey very clearly in that statement when he states he’s with survivors out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that something occurred, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a change,” he noted.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is huge. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this case is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing did occur.

“It is the initial step for that resolution for survivors. Primarily the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. This involved genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of responsibility.

Amanda characterized the statement by the royal family as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We’re just extremely proud of her, but then the sadness hits because you wish she could be present to share this occasion together with her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she added.

Support Organizations React: Significant Statement for Victims

Women’s rights campaigners and support organizations likewise applauded the decision by the monarchy, with several saying it conveyed an important message to those affected of abuse.

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so directly in a statement from the royal household”, noting that it sent a signal that “victims are important, that their experiences are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the center of national conversations about abuse”.

Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a welcome recognition that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, misogynistic men.”

However, she continued: “Removing a title, or relocating can never be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky expressed she was a “strong warrior” who could also be playful and goofy.

“This is an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that did something extraordinary and I think this is something the world ought to be admiring of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and we are at last getting that recognition that she truly was a world hero.”

Royal officials offered no response.