King Charles should meet Epstein victims, US lawmaker says
A US lawmaker is calling on King Charles to meet the survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein when the monarch visits the US. While not officially confirmed, the King and Queen Camilla are reportedly planning a visit at the end of April.
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, who co-sponsored a law that compelled the US justice department to release the Epstein files last year, is calling on the King to privately meet victims to hear from them directly about "how powerful individuals and institutions failed them".
"As you are aware, this is not solely an American matter," Khanna wrote in a letter to the King on Monday. The Palace has previously expressed that the King's "sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse".
In his letter, Khanna said: "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 wrote, "raise broader questions about how Epstein was able to maintain influence, credibility, and protection across borders for so long".
Khanna said a meeting with survivors would give an opportunity to "identify any additional information British institutions and individuals may be able to share".
He added: "It would also ensure that survivors are heard directly and that these matters are addressed with transparency, seriousness, and accountability." The California lawmaker also 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, about their ties to Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his titles last year due to his ties with Epstein, cannot be forced by a subpoena to go to the US. In his letter, Khanna said the former prince "did not respond" when Congress members sought testimony from him regarding his ties to the disgraced financier.
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing in his associations with Epstein. Mandelson, Khanna wrote, was asked to appear before a committee on the same matter, and on whether "sensitive information may have been shared improperly".
"He declined to cooperate, citing the existence of a criminal investigation", Khanna said. Mandelson remains under investigation after being arrested last month over allegations that while serving as a minister he passed on market-sensitive government information.
The BBC understands Lord Mandelson's position is that he has not acted in any way criminally and was not motivated by financial gain.
US lawmakers tell BBC Andrew should testify over Epstein files Andrew and King Charles: A personal battle of royal brothers If the King's US trip does happen, he and Queen Camilla are expected to visit Washington, where they will meet President Donald Trump, and according to US media reports, address Congress.