King Charles III and the Queen Consort will not meet survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during their upcoming state visit to the United States, despite urgent appeals from victims and politicians.
Officials confirm the royal couple will avoid such meetings due to active UK police investigations related to Epstein, ensuring no interference with ongoing inquiries.
Calls for Meeting Survivors Ignored Amid Investigations
On Monday, US Congressman Ro Khanna personally appealed to King Charles to hold private meetings with Epstein survivors during the late April visit. Nevertheless, Buckingham Palace maintains no such engagements are planned.
The state visit will proceed as scheduled, despite growing pressure to postpone or cancel it amid the escalating Middle East conflict.
Legal Fallout: Arrests Linked to Epstein Files
Recent developments have intensified scrutiny: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office after the release of the Epstein files. Separately, Lord Peter Mandelson, former UK ambassador to the US, also faced arrest under similar allegations.
Both men have since been released under investigation but firmly deny any wrongdoing related to Epstein’s activities.
Donald Trump Endorses Royal Visit Amid Political Tensions
Former US President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the royal visit, announcing it would take place from April 27 to 30 and feature a White House banquet on April 28. Trump praised King Charles on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!”
However, the Liberal Democrats have urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to cancel the visit—not due to Epstein concerns but because of the ongoing war in Iran. Party leader Sir Ed Davey accused the prime minister of lacking resolve, criticizing Trump for dismissing the UK’s Royal Navy as “toys” and treating Britain with contempt.
Defence Secretary Confident Visit Will Strengthen UK-US Ties
Despite Trump’s ongoing verbal attacks on Sir Keir’s handling of the Iran conflict, Defence Secretary John Healey expressed confidence the state visit would reinforce the “uniquely close relationship” between the UK and US—a so-called “special relationship” strained in recent months.
Healey described King Charles as “a unique leader, a unique diplomat, and a great asset for Britain.”
Historic First State Visit as Monarch to the US
While Prince Charles visited the US 19 times as Prince of Wales, this will mark his inaugural state visit as King. Buckingham Palace highlights the trip’s significance amid global tensions.
Recent Overseas Engagements by King Charles
- October 2025: Visited Rome, met Pope Leo, and prayed at the Sistine Chapel.
- May 2025: Attended Canada’s state opening of parliament with Queen Consort Camilla.
- April 2025: Traveled to Italy, stopping in Rome and Ravenna and holding a private meeting with the late Pope Francis.
- January 2025: Marked the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz-Birkenau liberation in Poland.
- October 2024: Toured Canberra and Sydney during the Australia visit.
- October 2024: State visit to Samoa during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
- June 2024: Attended ceremonies at the British Normandy Memorial in France on D-Day’s 80th anniversary.
Trump’s Announcement Highlights Historic Occasion
Donald Trump announced on Truth Social: “Melania and I are pleased to announce that Their Majesties, the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, will visit the United States for a historic state visit from April 27-30, which will include a beautiful banquet dinner at the White House on the evening of April 28.”
He emphasized the visit’s added significance as it coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States.
