King will not meet Epstein survivors on US visit
King Charles III to Skip Epstein Survivors Meeting During US State Visit
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will not meet survivors of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during their upcoming state visit to the United States in April. The trip, scheduled from 27 to 30 April, will see the royal couple engage with various groups, though the Queen will meet representatives of organizations advocating against domestic abuse and violence against women. The King, however, faces potential diplomatic challenges amid the UK and US’s tense relationship, particularly over disputes tied to the Iran conflict.
Strained Ties and Strategic Role
Despite the friction, Palace sources emphasize the King’s capacity to reinforce the enduring UK-US partnership, which has weathered “many presidencies and reigns.” A Foreign Office representative noted the alliance’s value, stating, “We are close allies, and while we disagree on issues, this relationship continues to benefit both nations over decades.” The visit aims to commemorate the 250th anniversary of US independence and celebrate shared prosperity, security, and history.
“We fully understand and appreciate the survivors’ position, but anything impacting ongoing police inquiries or legal actions would hinder their pursuit of justice,” said a Buckingham Palace source.
Scandal and Calls for Engagement
The decision follows growing pressure from figures like US Congressman Ro Khanna, Epstein survivor Lisa Phillips, and the family of late Virginia Giuffre, who urged the royals to meet Epstein’s victims after the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor controversy. Palace officials argue that such meetings could jeopardize legal proceedings and undermine the victims’ cause.
Queen Camilla, a vocal advocate for domestic abuse survivors, has previously expressed solidarity with victims. In a recent address at St James’s Palace, she stated, “To every survivor of every kind of violence, many of whom have not been able to tell their stories or who have not been believed, please know that you are not alone.” State visits, as per tradition, are conducted by the monarch on behalf of the UK government.
Trump’s Comments and Visit Dynamics
While Trump has consistently praised the royals, his recent remarks toward Sir Keir Starmer have intensified tensions. The visit’s schedule suggests limited informal interactions between the King and US President, as media opportunities will largely focus on scripted events. Divergent personalities and attitudes between Trump and King Charles may require careful management during the trip.
Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the current strain, remarking, “Mature alliances are not about ignoring differences; they are about addressing them directly, respectfully, and with a focus on results.” Additional details revealed on Tuesday include the King’s planned stop in Bermuda after the US leg of the visit. Those outside the UK can subscribe to the Royal Watch newsletter for updates on royal affairs.
