Family of Virginia Giuffre Calls on King to Meet Survivors During US State Visit
The family of Virginia Giuffre has issued a strong appeal to King Charles III, urging him to meet with them and survivors of paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his upcoming state visit to the United States. This call comes as US Congressman Ro Khanna also wrote to the King on Monday, requesting private meetings with survivors.
Personal Appeal from Giuffre's Family
In a statement to BBC Newsnight on Tuesday evening, Sky Roberts, Ms Giuffre's brother, and Amanda Roberts, her sister-in-law, expressed hope that conversations with survivors and their families would prompt decisive action from the British government against Epstein's co-conspirators. They highlighted the timing of the visit, noting it occurs just two days after the one-year anniversary of Virginia's death by suicide last year.
The statement emphasised: "We strongly urge King Charles to meet with us and survivors and hear what we have to say. We are thankful to him for heeding our sister's allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and for his decisive action in stripping his brother from his position as a prince."
Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew of sexual abuse—allegations he vehemently denies—spent her life fighting to hold predators accountable. Her family added, "It is in her memory that we encourage the king to speak with us and survivors, and continue pursuing justice across the United Kingdom."
Political and Legal Context
Congressman Ro Khanna's letter to the King aligns with the family's request, calling for private meetings during the state visit scheduled for late April. However, sources indicate that such meetings may not be possible due to ongoing UK police investigations into matters related to Epstein.
In February, Prince Andrew, the former Duke of York, and Lord Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the US, were arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over their connections with Epstein. Both have since been released under investigation.
The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) announced on Tuesday that the police response to the release of the Epstein files by the US Department of Justice is being "stepped up." A dedicated group will examine the "scale, scope and nature of any potential UK-based VAWG (violence against women and girls) offending within the files," and alleged victims who have spoken to UK media are invited to discuss potential crimes on British soil.
State Visit Details and Broader Implications
King Charles and Queen Camilla's historic trip is set to proceed from April 27-30, despite calls for postponement or cancellation due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump declared the visit a "momentous occasion" on his Truth Social site, noting a "beautiful Banquet Dinner" at the White House on April 28 and expressing respect for the King.
This state visit underscores the complex interplay between royal diplomacy, legal proceedings, and survivor advocacy, as the Giuffre family and others seek justice and accountability in the wake of Epstein's crimes.
