The King has no current plans to meet with Jeffrey Epstein’s survivors during his upcoming visit to the United States next month, although future meetings have not been entirely dismissed.
Last night, sources responded to a request from Congressman Khanna, who has been at the forefront of demanding accountability for Epstein’s crimes. On Tuesday, the congressman issued an open letter urging the King to privately meet with Epstein’s victims during his State Visit, which has sparked controversy.
While Buckingham Palace has declined to comment publicly, it’s understood that the institution believes that due to ongoing UK police investigations related to Epstein, Their Majesties should refrain from meeting survivors during this State Visit to avoid influencing or prejudicing any potential legal proceedings in the UK.
However, sources have pointed out that the phrase ‘will not be able to’ is purposefully different from ‘will not,’ suggesting the possibility of a future meeting has not been entirely ruled out by the monarch.
Furthermore, sources emphasized that His Majesty’s previous stance on supporting survivors is well-known, as is Her Majesty’s longstanding commitment to advocating for victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse.
In his letter, Congressman Khanna highlighted that requests for the King’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, to testify in the U.S. regarding his association with the convicted pedophile, have been consistently ignored.
He said: ‘I appreciate the solemnity of the occasion and your celebration of our 250 years of independence.
‘As author of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, I respectfully ask that you privately meet with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s abuse, so they may speak to you directly about the ways powerful individuals and institutions failed them. Survivors want this meeting.
The King does not plan to meet with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein when he travels to the United States next month – but has not ruled out a future meeting
Sources last night reacted to a request by Congressman Khanna, who has led the way in demanding accountability over Epstein’s crimes and associates
This undated photo released by the U.S. Department of Justice shows Jeffrey Epstein appearing to try and kiss a girl
‘I make this request in light of recent developments in the United Kingdom, including renewed scrutiny of individuals and institutions with ties to Epstein and his network.
‘These developments have raised serious questions about conduct, access, and whether positions of public trust were misused or whether public institutions helped shield wrongdoing.
‘Your call for a ‘full, fair and proper’ investigation, and for the law to take its course, recognizes the seriousness of these concerns.
‘As you are aware, this is not solely an American matter. 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 raise broader questions about how Epstein was able to maintain influence, credibility, and protection across borders for so long.
‘Additionally, members of Congress have sought testimony from both Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson regarding their respective ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor did not respond.
‘Peter Mandelson was also asked to appear before the Oversight Committee regarding his reported ties to Epstein and questions about whether sensitive information may have been shared improperly.
‘He declined to cooperate, citing the existence of a criminal investigation. In both cases, Congress was unable to secure their cooperation or testimony.
‘A meeting with survivors would provide an opportunity to identify any additional information British institutions and individuals may be able to share and open a dialogue about whether there will be a full accounting of how Epstein’s and Maxwell’s network operated in the United Kingdom.
‘It would also ensure that survivors are heard directly and that these matters are addressed with transparency, seriousness, and accountability.
‘Therefore, I would be grateful for the opportunity to arrange such a private meeting during your visit. I make this request with full respect for the importance of your visit.’
