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The historic declaration from the royal household removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is seen as an "acknowledgment" that something happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

In its announcement on Thursday, the palace said that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will additionally vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

Their announcement ended with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their considerations and deepest empathy are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and those who endured of any and all forms of abuse.”

Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Asked whether the statement implied that King Charles believes Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, I think that he’s speaking very clearly in that statement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an admission that something occurred, something has happened. We are witnessing a shift,” he noted.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is significant. We haven’t seen that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this situation is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing did occur.

“It is the initial step for that justice for survivors. Primarily the acknowledgment that something went on here. This involved genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away recently – reiterated claims that, in her youth, she had intimate relations with the prince on multiple instances. He has always denied any misconduct. He settled a legal dispute with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of liability.

She characterized the statement by the palace as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We are extremely admiring of her, but then the sorrow strikes because you wish she was here to experience this occasion together with her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she continued.

Support Organizations React: Powerful Message for Survivors

Women’s rights campaigners and support organizations also applauded the decision by the monarchy, with some indicating it conveyed an important signal to survivors of assault.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a statement from the royal household”, noting that it sent a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they deserve to be at the heart of national discussions about mistreatment”.

Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a welcome recognition that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by entitled, misogynistic men.”

However, she continued: “Removing a honor, or moving house can never be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a devastating event, and a indication of the profound impact abuse has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

Describing 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 regular individual from an ordinary family that did something extraordinary and I think that is something the world should be admiring of.

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

Royal officials declined to comment.