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The momentous declaration from Buckingham Palace stripping Prince Andrew of his title is regarded as an "recognition" that events occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

In its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will additionally leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

Their announcement concluded with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been and will remain with the affected individuals and survivors of every forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Asked whether this implied that the monarch trusts Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, I think that his words convey distinctly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“It’s an acknowledgment that something occurred, incidents transpired. We are witnessing a change,” he noted.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is huge. It's unprecedented that from anyone, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this situation is an affirmation that wrongdoing did occur.

“This represents the initial step for that resolution for those impacted. Primarily the admission that events unfolded here. This involved genuine suffering that happened to these adolescent females.”

In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away recently – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had sex with the prince on multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case 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’re just so exceptionally admiring of her, but then the sadness strikes because you wish she was here to experience this moment together with her – a moment that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she continued.

Support Organizations React: Powerful Message for Survivors

Women’s rights campaigners and support organizations likewise applauded the move by the royal family, with some saying it conveyed an important message to survivors of assault.

Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see survivors recognised so explicitly in a announcement from the palace”, adding that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they merit to be at the heart of public discussions about mistreatment”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a positive recognition that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by entitled, prejudiced men.”

However, she continued: “Stripping a title, 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 indication of the deep effect abuse has on women and girls.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

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

“Here we have an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that did something extraordinary and in my opinion this is something the world should be admiring of.

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who stood her ground and spoke out courageously and now we are at last receiving that recognition that she truly was a world hero.”

The palace declined to comment.