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This historic declaration from Buckingham Palace stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his title is seen as an "recognition" that something happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.

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 connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause controversy.

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.”

Family Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Questioned whether this implied that the monarch trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, in my view that he’s speaking very clearly in that announcement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an acknowledgment that something occurred, something has happened. There has been a change,” he added.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is huge. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this case is an affirmation that abuse did occur.

“It is the initial step for that resolution for survivors. It is first the acknowledgment that something went on here. There was real trauma that happened to these adolescent females.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died recently – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. The Duke has always denied any misconduct. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of liability.

Amanda characterized the announcement by the royal family as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We are extremely proud of her, but then the sorrow hits because you wish she was here to experience this moment alongside her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a considerable period,” she added.

Support Organizations React: Significant Message for Survivors

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

A representative, head of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see victims acknowledged so directly in a announcement from the royal household”, noting that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are believed, and that they deserve to be at the center of national discussions about mistreatment”.

Penny East, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “it is a positive recognition that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by entitled, prejudiced men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Stripping a honor, or relocating can not be viewed as genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

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

“This is an regular individual from an ordinary family that achieved something extraordinary and in my opinion this 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 recognition that she indeed represented a world hero.”

The palace declined to comment.