King Charles will not meet survivors of Jeffrey Epstein when he jets to the US – but may one day
The King does not plan to meet Jeffrey Epstein’s survivors when he travels to the United States next month, but he does not rule out the possibility of a meeting in the future.
Sources last night reacted to a demand from Congressman Khanna, who called for accountability for Epstein’s crimes and associates, and on Tuesday published an open letter to the King asking him to meet Epstein’s victims privately when he arrives for his controversial State Visit.
While Buckingham Palace has made no comment on the recordings, it is understood that the institutions’ view is that, as UK police have ongoing investigations into Epstein-related matters, Her Majesty ‘will not be able to meet with survivors during the next State Visit, lest anything arising from such meetings affect or in any way prejudice the work of the relevant UK Forces and any legal proceedings that may or may not result’.
However, sources indicate that the choice of the phrase ‘cannot’ was different from ‘will not’ and that the monarch did not rule out a meeting in the future.
Sources also emphasized that Her Majesty’s previous stance on survivors and Her Majesty’s longstanding support for all victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse were well noted.
In his letter, the congressman said requests for the King’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, to testify in the United States about his links to the convicted pedophile had been completely ignored.
He said: ‘I appreciate the seriousness of this occasion and your celebration of our 250 years of independence.
As the author of the ‘Epstein Files Transparency Act,’ I respectfully ask that you meet privately with survivors of abuse by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell so they can speak to you directly about how powerful individuals and institutions failed them. The survivors want this meeting.
The king does not plan to meet Jeffrey Epstein’s survivors when he travels to the United States next month, but he does not rule out a meeting in the future
Sources last night reacted to the demand from Congressman Khanna, who is leading the demand for accountability for Epstein’s crimes and associates.
This undated photo released by the US Department of Justice shows Jeffrey Epstein trying to kiss a girl
‘I am making this request in light of recent developments in the UK, including the re-examination of individuals and institutions linked to Epstein and his network.
‘These developments have raised serious questions about conduct, access and whether positions of public trust are being abused or whether public institutions are helping to shield abuses.
Your call for a ‘full, fair and appropriate’ investigation and for the law to take its course demonstrates the seriousness of these concerns.
‘As you know, this is not just America’s issue. Epstein’s network had significant ties to the United Kingdom, through Ghislaine Maxwell, through Epstein’s relationships with prominent British figures, and through the social and political circles in which he operated.
‘These links raise wider questions about how Epstein was able to maintain his influence, credibility and protection across borders for so long.
‘Additionally, members of Congress sought testimony from both Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson regarding their ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor did not respond.
‘Peter Mandelson was also asked to appear before the Oversight Committee regarding his reported ties to Epstein and questions about whether sensitive information was improperly shared.
‘He refused to cooperate, citing the existence of a criminal investigation. In both cases, Congress was unable to secure their cooperation or testimony.
‘A meeting with survivors will provide an opportunity to identify additional information that British institutions and individuals can share and to open a dialogue on whether there should be a full disclosure of how Epstein and Maxwell’s network operated in the UK.
‘It will also ensure that survivors are heard directly and that these issues are addressed with transparency, seriousness and accountability.
‘I would therefore be grateful for the opportunity to organize such a special meeting during your visit. I make this request out of respect for the importance of your visit.’
