A United States lawmaker has urged King Charles to meet survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his anticipated visit to the United States.
Although not officially confirmed, reports suggest that the King and Queen Camilla are planning a trip to the US at the end of April.
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, who co-sponsored a law compelling the US Justice Department to release Epstein files last year, is requesting that the King hold private meetings with victims to hear directly “how powerful individuals and institutions failed them.”
“As you are aware, this is not solely an American matter,” Khanna wrote in a letter addressed to the King on Monday.
The Palace previously stated that the King’s “sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”
In his letter, Khanna highlighted that “Epstein’s network had significant ties to the United Kingdom through Ghislaine Maxwell, through Epstein’s relationships with British public figures, and through the social and political circles in which he operated.”
“These connections,” he added, “raise broader questions about how Epstein was able to maintain influence, credibility, and protection across borders for so long.”
The California lawmaker further noted that members of Congress have sought testimony from the King’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, as well as Peter Mandelson, the UK’s former ambassador to the US, regarding their associations with Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his titles last year over his Epstein ties, cannot be compelled by subpoena to appear in the US and has yet to respond to the request. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing in his connections to Epstein.
If the King’s visit proceeds, he and Queen Camilla are expected to travel to Washington, where they would meet President Donald Trump and, according to US media reports, address Congress.
The trip would precede the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in July.
Last month, the King stated that the Royal Family was “ready to support” police investigations following his brother’s arrest and release on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The inquiry concerned Andrew’s tenure as the UK’s trade representative from 2001 to 2011 and followed allegations that he shared official documents with Epstein.
Recently released Justice Department files include photos of Mountbatten-Windsor with Epstein, as well as images of the former prince kneeling over a woman, her face redacted, lying on the floor.
In 2022, Mountbatten-Windsor reached an out-of-court settlement with his most prominent accuser, Virginia Giuffre, who alleged he sexually abused her when she was 17. The settlement did not include any admission of liability.
