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This momentous declaration from Buckingham Palace stripping Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is regarded as an "recognition" that something occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, relatives have expressed.

In its announcement on Thursday, the royal establishment said that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will also vacate his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating public debate.

The statement concluded with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest empathy have been and will remain with the victims and those who endured of every forms of abuse.”

Relatives Reaction: Acknowledgment and Accountability

Questioned whether this implied that King Charles trusts Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, in my view that his words convey very clearly in that announcement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“This is an acknowledgment that something occurred, incidents transpired. There has been a shift,” he added.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for victims is significant. We haven’t seen that from anyone, and recognizing that there are affected individuals in this situation is an affirmation that abuse took place.

“It is the very first step for that resolution for those impacted. Primarily the admission that events unfolded here. This involved genuine suffering that affected these adolescent females.”

In a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away earlier this year – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with the prince on multiple instances. The Duke has consistently refuted any misconduct. 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 “victory” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We’re just extremely admiring of her, but then the sorrow hits because you wish she could be present to share this moment alongside her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a very long time,” she continued.

Support Organizations React: Powerful Statement for Victims

Gender equality advocates and support organizations likewise applauded the decision by the monarchy, with several indicating it sent an vital message to survivors of abuse.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see victims acknowledged so directly in a announcement from the palace”, adding that it sent a message that “survivors matter, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they merit to be at the center of national conversations about abuse”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “it is a welcome recognition that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were sexually assaulted by entitled, misogynistic men.”

However, she added: “Stripping a honor, or moving house can not be viewed as true accountability or sufficient punishment. Indeed, a courageous individual, 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 "Strong Warrior"

Describing Giuffre’s character and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be playful and goofy.

“This is an ordinary girl from an typical background that did something remarkable and I think this is something the world should be proud of.

“Giuffre was this strong warrior who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and now we are at last getting that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a global icon.”

The palace offered no response.