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Epstein Meeting Declined
King Charles and Queen Camilla will not meet Epstein survivors during their US state visit, Buckingham Palace confirmed.
“The King and Queen will not meet survivors of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during the state visit to the US”
A palace source said anything that could impact ongoing police inquiries would be to the detriment of the survivors themselves.
The decision comes amid growing calls for the royals to meet Epstein's victims, including from US Congressman Ro Khanna.
Queen Camilla will meet representatives of groups campaigning against domestic abuse and violence against women.
The visit will mark the 250th anniversary of US independence.
Constitutional Caution
The palace's refusal is rooted in the King's constitutional position as Head of State.
There could be a risk that leaks from any meeting with the monarch could force a judge to throw out a criminal case.
Congressman Khanna branded the excuse ridiculous and said the King was certainly able to meet them.
Queen Camilla will meet domestic abuse survivors but not Epstein victims.
The palace emphasized that the King and Queen's thoughts and sympathies have been with victims of all forms of abuse.
Tense Diplomatic Backdrop
The state visit comes at a time of unusually tense relations between the UK and US.
“Palace sources say he can play a unique role in supporting a UK and US partnership that has survived many presidencies and many reigns”
The Foreign Office highlighted how the King's visit could help strengthen the relationship.
The itinerary includes a private meeting between the King and Trump and a state dinner at the White House.
The King will address Congress, a diplomatic highlight of the visit.
Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey called on the Prime Minister to cancel the visit.