Royal Couple Declines Meeting with Epstein Survivors During US State Visit
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that there are no plans for the King and Queen to meet survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during their upcoming state visit to the United States. This decision comes despite a direct plea from US Congressman Ro Khanna, who wrote to the King on Monday requesting a private meeting with the victims.
Ongoing Investigations Prevent Royal Engagement
It is understood that the royal couple cannot engage with Epstein survivors while UK police investigations into matters related to Epstein remain active. The Palace emphasized that this position is firm, with no flexibility for such meetings during the late April visit, though exact dates are still to be finalized.
Political Pressure and International Tensions
The state visit proceeds despite multiple calls for its cancellation or delay. The Liberal Democrats have urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to scrap the trip over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, not specifically due to Epstein. Party leader Ed Davey criticized the government for what he called a "staggering lack of backbone" in maintaining the visit amid strained US-UK relations.
Defence Secretary John Healey, however, defended the decision, stating that the visit will "help reinforce the uniquely close relationship" between the two nations. He praised the King as "a unique leader, a unique diplomat, and a great asset for Britain," dismissing concerns about potential embarrassment from former US President Donald Trump.
Background: The Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Connection
The controversy is further fueled by recent developments involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York. He was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office following the release of Epstein files, accused of sharing sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as UK trade envoy. The former prince has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein.
This situation adds complexity to the royal visit, intertwining legal investigations with diplomatic protocols. Buckingham Palace maintains that the visit will go ahead as planned, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties rather than addressing the Epstein-related allegations directly.
