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This momentous declaration from Buckingham Palace stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is regarded as an "recognition" that events occurred to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.

In its announcement on the specified day, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will additionally leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

The statement concluded with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the affected individuals and those who endured of any and all forms of abuse.”

Relatives Response: Acknowledgment and Justice

Questioned whether this implied that King Charles trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, I think that he’s speaking distinctly in that statement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an admission that events took place, something has happened. 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 to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this situation is an acknowledgment that abuse took place.

“It is the very first step for that resolution for survivors. Primarily the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. This involved real trauma that happened to these adolescent females.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away recently – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had sex with the prince on multiple instances. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of liability.

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

“We’re just so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sorrow hits because you wish she could be present to experience this moment together with her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she added.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Significant Message for Survivors

Gender equality advocates and advocacy groups likewise applauded the decision by the monarchy, with some saying it sent an vital message to those affected of assault.

A representative, head of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see survivors acknowledged so explicitly in a announcement from the royal household”, adding that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are believed, and that they merit to be at the heart of national conversations about abuse”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a positive recognition that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were abused by privileged, prejudiced men.”

However, she continued: “Removing a title, or relocating can not be considered true accountability or adequate consequence. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Describing Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could also be cheeky and goofy.

“This is an ordinary girl from an typical background that achieved something extraordinary and I think that is something the global community should be proud of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and now we are finally receiving that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace declined to comment.