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This historic declaration from the royal household removing Prince Andrew of his title is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that something occurred to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

Through its statement on the specified day, the palace said that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now known – will also leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating controversy.

Their announcement ended with: “The King and Queen wish to make clear that their considerations and utmost empathy have been and will remain with the affected individuals and those who endured of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Relatives Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Questioned whether this implied that the monarch believes Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, in my view that he’s speaking very clearly in that statement when he says he’s with survivors out there.

“It’s an admission that events took place, something has happened. There has been a shift,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment out for survivors is significant. It's unprecedented that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are affected individuals in this situation is an affirmation that abuse did occur.

“This represents the initial step for that justice for those impacted. Primarily the acknowledgment that something went on here. This involved real trauma that affected these young girls.”

Through a book published after her death, Giuffre – who passed away recently – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with the prince on multiple instances. The Duke has always denied any misconduct. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m with no admission of liability.

Amanda described the announcement by the palace as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We’re just extremely proud of her, but then the sadness hits because you wish she was here to experience this moment alongside her – a moment that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she added.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Powerful Message for Victims

Women’s rights advocates and support organizations also welcomed the decision by the royal family, with some saying it sent an vital signal to those affected of assault.

A representative, chief executive of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see victims recognised so directly in a statement from the palace”, noting that it sent a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are believed, and that they deserve to be at the heart of national conversations about abuse”.

Another advocate, the chief executive at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a welcome recognition that the real victims here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the females who were abused by entitled, prejudiced men.”

Nonetheless, she continued: “Stripping a honor, or relocating can never be considered true accountability or sufficient punishment. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. This was a terrible tragedy, and a reminder of the deep effect sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

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

“Here we have an regular individual from an typical background that achieved something extraordinary and in my opinion this is something the world ought to be proud of.

“She was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and refused to stay silent and now we are at last getting that recognition that she indeed represented a world hero.”

Royal officials offered no response.