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This momentous statement from Buckingham Palace stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is seen as an "recognition" that something happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

In its statement on the specified day, the palace said that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will also vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.

Their announcement ended with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies are and will continue to be with the victims and those who endured of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Reaction: Acknowledgment and Justice

Questioned whether this implied that the monarch trusts Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, I think that he’s speaking distinctly in that announcement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“This is an admission that something occurred, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a change,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is huge. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an affirmation that abuse took place.

“It is the very first step for that justice for survivors. Primarily the admission that events unfolded here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these adolescent females.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of responsibility.

Amanda described the statement by the palace as a “triumph” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We’re just extremely admiring of her, but then the sadness hits because one hopes she was here to share this moment alongside her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she added.

Advocacy Groups React: Significant Message for Victims

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

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see survivors acknowledged so explicitly in a statement from the royal household”, noting that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their experiences are believed, and that they deserve to be at the heart of public discussions about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a welcome recognition that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the females who were sexually assaulted by privileged, misogynistic men.”

However, she continued: “Removing a title, or relocating can never be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a devastating event, and a indication of the deep effect abuse has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Portraying Giuffre’s personality and pursuit of truth, Sky said she was a “determined advocate” who could additionally be playful and humorous.

“Here we have an regular individual from an ordinary family that achieved something remarkable and I think that is something the world should be proud of.

“She was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and spoke out courageously and we are finally receiving that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace declined to comment.