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This momentous declaration from the royal household removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "acknowledgment" that events happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

In its statement on Thursday, the palace said that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will additionally vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.

Their announcement concluded with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their considerations and utmost empathy are and will continue to be with the victims and survivors of every forms of abuse.”

Relatives Response: Recognition and Accountability

Questioned whether the statement suggested that King Charles believes Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, I think that he’s speaking very clearly in that announcement when he states he’s with survivors out there.

“It’s an acknowledgment that events took place, something has happened. There has been a change,” he noted.

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

“This represents the very first step for that justice for survivors. It is first 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 sex with the prince on three separate occasions. The Duke has always denied any misconduct. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of responsibility.

She characterized the announcement by the palace as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We are extremely admiring of her, but then the sorrow strikes because you wish she could be present to share this occasion alongside her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she added.

Support Organizations React: Significant Statement for Victims

Women’s rights advocates and advocacy groups likewise applauded the move by the monarchy, with some indicating it conveyed an vital message to survivors of assault.

Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so explicitly in a announcement from the palace”, noting that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are believed, and that they deserve to be at the center of national conversations about abuse”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a positive acknowledgment that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the females who were abused by entitled, misogynistic men.”

However, she added: “Removing a title, or moving house can not be considered true accountability or adequate consequence. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the deep effect abuse has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

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

“Here we have an regular individual from an typical background that achieved something extraordinary and in my opinion that is something the global community should be proud of.

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and we are at last getting that recognition that she truly was a global icon.”

Royal officials declined to comment.