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The momentous declaration from the royal household removing Prince Andrew of his royal status is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that events happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

In its statement on Thursday, the palace indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will additionally leave his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

The statement ended with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their considerations and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the affected individuals and those who endured of any and all forms of abuse.”

Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Questioned whether this implied that King Charles believes Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Without a doubt, I think that his words convey very clearly in that announcement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

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

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is huge. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this situation is an affirmation that wrongdoing did occur.

“This represents the very first step for that resolution for survivors. Primarily the admission that events unfolded here. There was 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 Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. He has consistently refuted any misconduct. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m with no admission of liability.

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

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

Advocacy Groups Respond: Significant Message for Survivors

Gender equality advocates and support organizations likewise welcomed the decision by the monarchy, with several saying it conveyed an important message to those affected of assault.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see victims recognised so explicitly in a statement from the royal household”, adding that it delivered a signal that “victims are important, that their ordeals are believed, and that they deserve to be at the heart of public discussions about abuse”.

Penny East, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a positive acknowledgment 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 added: “Stripping a title, or moving house can not be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. Indeed, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

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

“This is an regular individual from an typical background that achieved something remarkable and in my opinion that is something the global community ought to be admiring of.

“She was this strong warrior who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and we are at last receiving that acknowledgment that she truly was a world hero.”

The palace offered no response.