
US Democrat Ro Khanna, on Monday (local time), urged King Charles to meet the survivors of late and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his expected visit to the US.
Although the trip has not been officially confirmed, King Charles and Queen Camilla are reportedly planning a visit to Washington in April, according to the BBC.
Khanna, who co-sponsored the Epstein Files Transparency Act that pushed the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to release Epstein-related documents last year, wrote to the King requesting a private meeting with survivors so he can hear directly how powerful individuals and institutions failed them.
In his letter, Khanna said survivors are seeking such a meeting. He added that his request comes amid recent developments in the United Kingdom, including renewed scrutiny of individuals and institutions linked to Epstein and his network. He said these developments raise serious concerns about conduct, access, and whether positions of public trust were misused or institutions helped shield wrongdoing. He also noted that the King’s call for a full, fair, and proper investigation acknowledges the gravity of the situation.
Khanna stressed that the issue extends beyond the United States. "As you are aware, this is not solely an American matter," he wrote in the letter to the King.
He pointed out that Epstein’s network had deep connections to the UK through his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, his links with British public figures, and the elite social and political circles he was part of. These links, he said, raise broader questions about how Epstein was able to maintain influence, credibility, and protection across countries for so long.
Khanna also referred to mentions of former Prince Andrew, the King’s brother, in the Epstein files, saying that the US Congress has sought testimony from him and Peter Mandelson. While Andrew did not respond, Mandelson declined to cooperate with the Oversight Committee regarding his reported connections to Epstein.
Prince Andrew, who has been named multiple times in Epstein-related documents, has consistently denied any association. Last month, he was arrested by the Thames police after his role as a trade envoy came under scrutiny, following DOJ documents alleging that he shared sensitive details about his Asia trips with Epstein.
In the early 2000s, Andrew also faced allegations of sexual assault from Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre, who later died by suicide. A BBC report noted that Andrew, who was stripped of his titles last year due to his links to Epstein, cannot be compelled to appear in the US through a subpoena.
Meanwhile, Lord Mandelson remains under investigation after his arrest last month over allegations that he passed on market-sensitive government information while serving as a minister.
While the visit has not been finalised, Khanna’s letter suggests that King Charles and Queen Camilla could travel to the US later in April, with the King expected to address Congress during the week of 27 April. If the trip goes ahead, he is also likely to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington.
The visit would take place ahead of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in July.
Buckingham Palace has previously said that the King’s sympathies remain with victims of abuse. Last month, King Charles also stated that the Royal Family would cooperate with police as they investigate Prince Andrew, who was arrested and later released on suspicion of misconduct in office.
Swati Gandhi is a digital journalist with over four years of experience, specialising in international and geopolitical issues. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations, with a particular emphasis on how global developments affect India. She approaches journalism with a strong belief in context-driven reporting, aiming to break down complex global events into clear, accessible narratives for a wide readership.<br><br> Previously, Swati has worked at Business Standard, where she covered a range of beats including national affairs, politics, and business. This diverse newsroom experience helped her build a strong grounding in reporting, while also strengthening her ability to work across both breaking news and in-depth explanatory stories. Covering multiple beats early in her career has helped her be informed about her current work, allowing her to connect domestic developments with wider international trends.<br><br> At Live Mint, she focuses on international and geopolitical issues through a business and economic lens, examining how global political developments, foreign policy decisions, and power shifts impact markets, industries, and India’s strategic and economic interests.<br><br> She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Her academic training has shaped her emphasis on precision, analytical rigour, and clarity in writing. Her interests include global political economy and the intersection of geopolitics with business.<br><br> Outside work, Swati focuses on exploring her passion and love for food. From fancy cafes to street spots, Swati explores food like a true foodie.
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