King Charles urged to meet Epstein victims during US visit
King Charles faces calls to meet Jeffrey Epstein’s victims during his upcoming US visit.
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna called on the monarch to meet privately with survivors of the convicted sex offender and hear “how powerful individuals and institutions failed them.”
He noted that members of Congress have asked for testimony from the King’s younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, about his ties to Epstein.
The former prince, who was stripped of his titles in October after more information emerged about his friendship with the late pedophile, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Buckingham Palace has previously said the King “has been and continues to be a victim of harassment of all kinds.”
Charles and Queen Camilla will visit the United States in late April to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Although the trip has not yet been confirmed, it is believed to include a trip to Washington DC and a speech to Congress.
Mr Khanna, who co-sponsored legislation calling on the US justice department to release the Epstein files, said in a letter to the King that “this is not just America’s issue”.
He wrote that the links to British public figures “raise wider questions about how Epstein was able to maintain his influence, credibility and protection across borders for so long.”
Mr Khanna said in his letter: “Epstein’s network had significant links to the UK, through Ghislaine Maxwell, through Epstein’s relationships with British public figures and the social and political circles in which he operated.”
Independent He approached Buckingham Palace at Mr Khanna’s request.
After Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in February on suspicion of abuse of public office, the King said the royal family was “ready to support” the police investigation.
In a statement, the King said: “I have learned with deep concern of the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“What will now come is a full, fair and appropriate process to ensure that this matter is investigated appropriately and by the relevant authorities.
“As I said before, we have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation on this issue. Let me state clearly that the law must take its own course.
“While this process is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this matter. In the meantime, my family and I will continue our duty and service to all of you. Charles R.”
In 2022, the former Duke of York reached an out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexually assaulting her at Epstien’s estate when she was 17. The agreement contained no admission of liability and Mr Mountbatten-Windsor vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
