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

In its statement on the specified day, the palace said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – 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 wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost empathy have been and will remain with the affected individuals and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”

Relatives Response: Acknowledgment and Justice

Asked whether the statement suggested that the monarch believes Virginia over Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, I think that he’s speaking distinctly in that announcement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an acknowledgment that events took place, something has happened. We are witnessing a shift,” he added.

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

“It is the initial step for that resolution for those impacted. It is first the admission that something went on here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had sex with the prince on multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of responsibility.

Amanda described the announcement by the royal family as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

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

Support Organizations Respond: Significant Message for Victims

Gender equality campaigners and support organizations also applauded the move by the royal family, with several saying it conveyed an important signal to those affected of abuse.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors acknowledged so directly in a announcement from the palace”, adding that it sent a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the center of public discussions about abuse”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a welcome recognition that the true sufferers here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the females who were abused by entitled, misogynistic men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Stripping a title, or moving house can not be considered genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a devastating event, and a indication of the profound impact abuse has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

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

“Here we have an ordinary girl from an typical background that achieved something remarkable and I think this is something the world should be admiring of.

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

Royal officials declined to comment.