A United States lawmaker has called on King Charles III to meet survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his anticipated visit to the United States, urging the monarch to hear directly how powerful individuals and institutions failed them.
Although the visit has not been formally confirmed, the King and Queen Camilla are reportedly planning a trip to the US at the end of April. Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, who co-sponsored legislation that compelled the US Justice Department to release Epstein-related files last year, made the appeal in a letter sent on Monday.
Khanna said the meeting would provide an opportunity for the King to privately engage with victims and better understand the systemic failures that allowed Epstein’s network to operate for years. “As you are aware, this is not solely an American matter,” he wrote.
In his letter, the lawmaker highlighted Epstein’s significant links to the United Kingdom, particularly through Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as his relationships with British public figures and connections within elite social and political circles. He argued that these ties raise broader questions about how Epstein was able to maintain influence, credibility and protection across borders for so long.
Khanna also noted that members of Congress have sought testimony from the King’s brother, Prince Andrew, formally known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, as well as Peter Mandelson, the UK’s former ambassador to the US, regarding their alleged links to Epstein. Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his titles following the controversy, cannot be compelled by a US subpoena and has not responded to the request, while continuing to deny any wrongdoing.
If the trip proceeds, King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to visit Washington, where they will meet Donald Trump and, according to US media reports, address Congress. The visit is expected to come ahead of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in July.
Buckingham Palace has previously stated that the King’s sympathies “have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse,” though it has not issued a fresh comment on Khanna’s request.
The issue has drawn renewed attention following recent developments involving Prince Andrew. Last month, the King said the Royal Family was “ready to support” authorities after his brother was arrested and later released on suspicion of misconduct in public office, linked to his tenure as the UK’s trade representative between 2001 and 2011. The allegations followed claims that he shared official documents with Epstein.
Files released by the US Justice Department in recent months also include photographs of Prince Andrew with Epstein, as well as other controversial images tied to the case. In 2022, Prince Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement with his most prominent accuser, Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was sexually abused at the age of 17. The settlement included no admission of liability.
Erizia Rubyjeana
Follow us on:
