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The momentous declaration from Buckingham Palace removing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his royal status is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that something happened to the deceased Virginia Giuffre, her family have stated.

In its statement on Thursday, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – under his current designation – will additionally vacate his residence in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

The statement concluded with: “Their majesties aim to emphasize that their considerations and utmost empathy are and will continue to be with the victims and those who endured of every forms of abuse.”

Relatives Reaction: Acknowledgment and Accountability

Questioned whether the statement implied that King Charles trusts Virginia over Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts said: “Absolutely, in my view that he’s speaking very clearly in that announcement when he states he’s with those affected out there.

“This is an admission that something occurred, something has happened. There has been a shift,” he noted.

Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, said: “Issuing such recognition out for survivors is huge. We haven’t seen that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this case is an acknowledgment that abuse took place.

“This represents the initial step for that justice for survivors. Primarily the admission that something went on here. This involved genuine suffering that happened to these young girls.”

Through a posthumous memoir, Giuffre – who died recently – repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had intimate relations with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. The Duke has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of responsibility.

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

“We are extremely proud of her, but then the sorrow strikes because you wish she was here to experience this occasion alongside her – a time that she has been waiting for, for a very long time,” she continued.

Advocacy Groups Respond: Powerful Message for Survivors

Gender equality campaigners and advocacy groups likewise applauded the decision by the royal family, with several saying it conveyed an important message to survivors of assault.

Gemma Sherrington, head of Refuge, said it was “highly impactful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a announcement from the palace”, noting that it delivered a signal that “survivors matter, that their experiences are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the center of national discussions about abuse”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, said “this is a welcome acknowledgment that the true sufferers here are not embarrassed politicians or fallen royals, but the women and girls who were abused by entitled, misogynistic men.”

However, she added: “Stripping a honor, or relocating can not be considered true accountability or sufficient punishment. In fact, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has lost her life. This was a terrible tragedy, and a indication of the profound impact sexual assault has on women and girls.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

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

“Here we have an regular individual from an ordinary family that achieved something remarkable 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 we are finally getting that acknowledgment that she truly was a global icon.”

Royal officials declined to comment.