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This historic statement from Buckingham Palace stripping Prince Andrew of his royal status is seen as an "recognition" that events happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

In its announcement on the specified day, the palace said that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will also vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, since his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

The statement ended with: “The King and Queen aim to emphasize that their thoughts and utmost empathy are and will continue to be with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Family Reaction: Acknowledgment and Accountability

Asked whether this suggested that the monarch believes Virginia rather than Andrew, Giuffre's sibling Sky Roberts remarked: “Absolutely, I think that he’s speaking very clearly in that announcement when he states he’s with survivors out there.

“This is an admission that something occurred, something has happened. We are witnessing a change,” he added.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “To put that acknowledgment 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 wrongdoing took place.

“It is the initial step for that resolution for those impacted. It is first the acknowledgment that events unfolded here. There was genuine suffering that happened to these adolescent females.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who passed away recently – reiterated claims that, as a teenager, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12m without accepting of responsibility.

She characterized the statement by the royal family as a “victory” and “vindication for our sister”.

“We are extremely proud of her, but then the sorrow strikes because one hopes she could be present to share this occasion alongside her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she added.

Support Organizations Respond: Powerful Message for Victims

Gender equality advocates and advocacy groups likewise applauded the move by the monarchy, with several saying it conveyed an important message to those affected of abuse.

A representative, head of Refuge, said it was “incredibly powerful to see survivors recognised so directly in a announcement from the royal household”, adding that it delivered a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are trusted, and that they merit to be at the center of national discussions about abuse”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a welcome acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or disgraced princes, but the females who were abused by privileged, misogynistic men.”

However, she added: “Stripping a title, or moving house can never be considered genuine responsibility or adequate consequence. In fact, one brave woman, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a devastating event, and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault has on female victims.”

Remembering Virginia Giuffre: A "Strong Warrior"

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

“This is an regular individual from an ordinary family that did something extraordinary and in my opinion that is something the global community should be admiring of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who stood her ground and refused to stay silent and we are finally getting that acknowledgment that she indeed represented a global icon.”

Royal officials offered no response.