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This historic statement from Buckingham Palace removing Prince Andrew of his royal status is regarded as an "recognition" that something occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

Through its announcement on Thursday, the palace indicated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will additionally leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

Their announcement ended with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their considerations and deepest sympathies are and will continue to be with the victims and survivors of every forms of abuse.”

Relatives Response: Acknowledgment and Justice

Asked whether the statement implied that the monarch trusts Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, in my view that his words convey very clearly in that statement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that something occurred, incidents transpired. There has been a shift,” he noted.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is huge. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and recognizing that there are survivors in this case is an acknowledgment that abuse took place.

“It is the very first step for that justice for those impacted. It is first the admission that something went on here. There was real trauma that happened to these adolescent females.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died recently – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with the prince on multiple instances. The Duke has always denied any misconduct. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of responsibility.

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

“We’re just extremely proud of her, but then the sorrow hits because one hopes she was here to share this moment together with her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Support Organizations React: Powerful Statement for Victims

Gender equality advocates and support organizations likewise applauded the move by the monarchy, with some saying it conveyed an important signal to survivors of assault.

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors acknowledged so explicitly in a statement from the royal household”, adding that it delivered a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they deserve to be at the heart of national discussions about abuse”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a welcome acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the females who were abused by entitled, prejudiced men.”

However, she added: “Stripping a title, or relocating can not be considered genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the profound impact sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

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

“This is an regular individual from an ordinary family that did something extraordinary and in my opinion that is something the world ought to be proud of.

“She was this strong warrior who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and now we are at last receiving that recognition that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace declined to comment.