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The historic statement from the royal household stripping Prince Andrew of his title is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that something happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

Through its announcement on Thursday, the palace said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – under his current designation – will also leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

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

Family Reaction: Acknowledgment and Accountability

Asked whether this suggested that the monarch believes Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, in my view that his words convey very clearly in that announcement when he states he’s with survivors out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that events took place, something has happened. There has been a shift,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is huge. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this situation is an affirmation that wrongdoing 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 affected these adolescent females.”

In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had sex with the prince on multiple instances. He has always denied any misconduct. He resolved a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of liability.

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

“We are so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sorrow strikes because one hopes she was here to share this moment together with her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she continued.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Significant Statement for Survivors

Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups also applauded the decision by the royal family, with some saying it conveyed an vital message to those affected of abuse.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a statement from the royal household”, adding that it sent a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they merit to be at the center of national discussions about abuse”.

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

However, she continued: “Removing a honor, or relocating can never be considered genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the deep effect sexual assault has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Portraying Giuffre’s character and pursuit of truth, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be playful and humorous.

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

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and now we are at last getting that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace offered no response.