No plans for King and Queen to meet Epstein victims during US visit despite congressman's plea

There are no plans for the King and Queen to meet survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during their state visit to the US, despite calls for them to do so.

The couple are not able to do so while there are ongoing UK police investigations into matters related to Epstein, it is understood.

Ro Khanna, a US congressman, wrote to the King on Monday asking him to meet survivors privately during the state visit in late April.

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Buckingham Palace earlier announced that the state visit to the US would go ahead, despite calls for the historic royal trip to be scrapped or delayed because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office last month, following the release of the Epstein files.

Lord Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the US, was also arrested separately on suspicion of the same offence.

Both were later released under investigation on suspicion that they had shared sensitive information with Epstein, and both have denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.

Trump backs 'terrific' trip

Donald Trump has posted his support for the trip, suggesting it would take place between 27 - 30 April and include a White House banquet dinner.

"I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!" he wrote on Truth Social.

The Liberal Democrats have called on Sir Keir Starmer to cancel the state visit, not because of Epstein, but over the war in Iran.

Iran war latest: Trump tells UK 'get your own oil'

The party's leader Sir Ed Davey accused the prime minister of "showing a staggering lack of backbone" while Mr Trump "treats our country with contempt" after he "dismissed our Royal Navy as 'toys'".

Will Trump embarrass the King?

The confirmation of the state visit comes as Mr Trump continues his attacks on Sir Keir's reaction to the conflict in Iran.

But Defence Secretary John Healey said he is "not concerned" about the prospect of the US president "embarrassing" the King.

Speaking to reporters during a trip to the Middle East, he also said the state visit would "help reinforce the uniquely close relationship" between the two nations - a so-called 'special relationship' which has been strained in recent months.

"The King is a unique leader, a unique diplomat, and a great asset for Britain," Mr Healey added.

As Prince of Wales, Charles visited the US a total of 19 times, but this will be his first state visit as the monarch.

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In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump wrote: "Melania and I are pleased to announce that Their Majesties, the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, will visit the United States for a historic state visit from 27-30 April, which will include a beautiful banquet dinner at the White House on the evening of 28 April.

"This momentous occasion will be even more special this year, as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of our great country."

(c) Sky News 2026: No plans for King and Queen to meet Epstein victims during US visit despite congressman's plea