King Charles Faces Calls to Meet Epstein 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 other survivors of Jeffrey Epstein during his state visit to the United States next month. In a statement to BBC Newsnight, Giuffre's brother, Sky Roberts, and his wife, Amanda, expressed hope that such a conversation would spur decisive action from the British government.
A Personal Appeal Amid Anniversary
The timing of the King's visit is deeply personal for the family, as it coincides with the one-year anniversary of Virginia Giuffre's death. "King Charles III's visit will come at a deeply personal time for our family," the statement said. "His arrival comes just two days after the one-year anniversary of the death of our beloved sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre."
They added, "We strongly urge King Charles to meet with us and survivors and hear what we have to say." The family thanked the King for heeding Giuffre's allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and for stripping him of his prince title, but emphasized the need for continued justice.
Background of the Case
Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide last year, claimed that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked her to London and forced her to have sex with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—allegations he has repeatedly denied. In a memoir, Giuffre, who was abused by Epstein for four years, stated that Andrew believed having sex with her was his birthright.
Andrew was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his links to Epstein, and Lord Peter Mandelson was also arrested on the same charge. Both have been released under investigation.
Police Response and Investigations
The National Police Chiefs' Council announced that police response to the Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice will be stepped up. A dedicated group will analyze potential UK-based violence against women and girls offenses within the documents, and alleged victims have been invited to speak with investigators.
However, it is understood that King Charles and Queen Camilla will not be able to meet survivors during their visit due to ongoing UK police investigations into Epstein-related matters.
Details of the State Visit
King Charles and Queen Camilla are scheduled to make a state visit to the US from April 27 to 30. US President Donald Trump declared the trip a "momentous occasion" on Truth Social, noting a banquet dinner at the White House on April 28. The visit proceeds despite calls for postponement due to the Middle East conflict.
Family's Hopes for Government Action
Sky and Amanda Roberts stated, "Amanda and I are hopeful that conversation with survivors and their families will continue to elicit decisive action from the British government against the co-conspirators of Jeffrey Epstein." They highlighted Giuffre's lifelong fight to hold predators accountable, adding, "It is in her memory that we encourage the king to speak with us and survivors, and continue pursuing justice across the United Kingdom."
Additional Context and Royal Dynamics
US Congressman Ro Khanna also wrote to King Charles, urging a meeting with survivors. Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, delivered a speech in Washington on privacy and AI, but will not meet his father during the visit. King Charles, who is undergoing cancer treatment, last saw Harry six months ago and his grandchildren nearly four years ago.
Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment on the family's request, but no response has been provided at this time.
