King Charles and Queen Camilla Will Not Meet Epstein Survivors During US State Visit
King Charles and Queen Camilla will not be able to meet with survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during their upcoming state visit to the United States. This decision comes as UK police investigations into matters related to Epstein are ongoing, making such a meeting unfeasible at this time.
Congressman's Request and Royal Response
US Congressman Ro Khanna wrote to King Charles on Monday, March 30, to call for a private meeting with survivors during the state visit scheduled for April. However, it is understood that the royal couple will not be able to accommodate this request while police inquiries are active. The visit, described as historic, is set to proceed despite these complexities.
Ongoing UK Police Investigations
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) announced on Tuesday, March 31, that the police response to the release of the so-called Epstein files by the US Department of Justice is being stepped up. A dedicated group will examine the scale, scope, and nature of any potential UK-based violence against women and girls (VAWG) offending within the files. The NPCC has also invited alleged victims of Epstein who have spoken to UK media to discuss potential crimes that may have occurred on British soil with investigators.
Recent Arrests and Context
This development follows the arrests last month of Charles' brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, and Lord Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the US. They were detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office over their connections with the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Both have since been released under investigation, adding to the sensitive backdrop of the royal visit.
US State Visit Details and Controversy
King Charles and Queen Camilla's long-expected trip is scheduled to take place in late April, from April 27 to April 30, despite calls for postponement or cancellation due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump declared the visit a momentous occasion in a post on his Truth Social site, noting a beautiful banquet dinner at the White House on the evening of April 28. Trump expressed his respect for the King and anticipation for the visit, which Buckingham Palace has not officially detailed in its announcement.
