King urged to do one thing about Epstein scandal - 'would have done himself a favour'

A US congressman said it was "ridiculous" to say that King Charles could not meet Jeffrey Epstein's victims and that the Palace "would be laughed out" in America. Ro Khanna, a Democrat who campaigned for the release of the Epstein files, said King Charles should meet the late sex offender's victims during his visit to the US. However, Palace sources have reportedly suggested the King cannot meet them for fear of prejudicing a police investigation. While not officially confirmed, the King and Queen Camilla are reportedly planning a visit at the end of April. Khanna said he was disappointed about the suggestion that Charles is unable to meet the victims.

He told the Times: "It's disappointing. He's certainly able to meet them. We made it very clear that none of the specific facts regarding his brother would be discussed.

"We made it clear that uncomfortable questions would not be asked, such as when did the Royal Family know about allegations concerning his brother, such as how many times did Epstein actually visit the royal court, such as why did the King not speak out earlier regarding his brother.

"Those are the questions the media will ask when he comes to the United States, and I don't want those to be the dominant headlines.

"And if he had just met with the survivors and said that he may be a king, but that doesn't make him any better than the survivors, that he understands that he is born of the same flesh and has equal dignity as the survivors, he would have done himself a favour."

When asked whether he thought that the reason given by the palace for not meeting the Epstein victims was "a fudge", Khanna replied: "No, I'm saying it's ridiculous. I'm saying they would be laughed out of parliament and they'd be laughed out of an election campaign in America."

He added: "It's like they'd never been asked questions by the press. It would be embarrassing. They wouldnt'get 2% of the vote if they had to actually campaign. Here's the problem. They're not above the law. They're not any better than you or me."

Khanna stressed that meeting with survivors should be Charles's top priority. He added that if that does not happen, then when he addresses Congress during the 250th anniversary of US independence, he should at the very least acknowledge the Epstein scandal.

Rohit "Ro" Khanna is an American politician and attorney serving as the US representative from California's 17th congressional district since 2017.

He also wrote a letter to the King, in which he said: "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".

Khanna added the meeting would present an opportunity to "identify any additional information British institutions and individuals may be able to share".

He added: "It would also ensure that survivors are heard directly and that these matters are addressed with transparency, seriousness, and accountability."

The King said last month that the Royal Family were "ready to support" police in their inquiries after his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested and then released on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The Palace has previously said that the King's "sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse".

The Daily Express has approached the Buckingham Palace for a comment.