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The momentous statement from Buckingham Palace stripping Prince Andrew of his royal status is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that events happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, relatives have stated.

In its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment 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 continue to cause public debate.

Their announcement concluded with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest sympathies are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and survivors of every forms of mistreatment.”

Family Reaction: Acknowledgment and Accountability

Questioned whether the statement suggested that King Charles believes Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, in my view that he’s speaking distinctly in that statement when he states he’s with survivors out there.

“It’s an admission that events took place, incidents transpired. There has been a change,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is huge. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this case is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing took place.

“This represents the very first step for that resolution for survivors. Primarily the admission that events unfolded here. This involved real trauma that happened to these young girls.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died earlier this year – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions. He has consistently refuted any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of responsibility.

Amanda characterized the statement by the royal family as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

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

Support Organizations Respond: Significant Statement for Survivors

Gender equality advocates and support organizations also applauded the decision by the monarchy, with some saying it sent an important signal to those affected of abuse.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “incredibly powerful to see victims recognised so explicitly in a statement from the palace”, noting that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they merit to be at the center of national conversations about abuse”.

Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a welcome recognition that the real victims here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the females who were sexually assaulted by entitled, prejudiced men.”

Nonetheless, she added: “Removing a title, or relocating can never be considered genuine responsibility or sufficient punishment. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. It was a devastating event, and a indication of the deep effect abuse has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

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

“Here we have an regular individual from an ordinary family that did something remarkable and I think that is something the global community should be admiring of.

“She was this strong warrior who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and now we are finally getting that recognition that she truly was a world hero.”

The palace declined to comment.