Bay Area Lawmaker Urges King Charles to Meet Epstein Victims During US Visit

Congressman Ro Khanna says the monarch has a chance to address the monarchy's legacy and stand for transparency.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:12pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic interior space with a lone desk and chair, casting long shadows across the floor and walls, conveying a sense of political unease and unresolved questions.The king's response to calls for transparency around the Epstein scandal will shape perceptions of the monarchy's commitment to justice.Washington Today

A Bay Area congressman has called on King Charles to meet with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged sex-trafficking operation during the British monarch's upcoming visit to the United States. Ro Khanna, a Silicon Valley Democrat, said the meeting would be a 'defining moment for the monarchy' to address its past failures and demonstrate relevance to younger generations.

Why it matters

Khanna's request puts diplomatic pressure on the king, who has so far declined to meet with Epstein's victims. The congressman argues the meeting could lead to more information about Epstein's criminal network and hold powerful individuals accountable. The king's response will impact perceptions of the monarchy's commitment to transparency and justice.

The details

Khanna introduced legislation last year to force the release of all unclassified records related to Epstein, the late financier who was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges in 2019. In a letter to the king, Khanna said 'survivors want this meeting' to speak directly about how 'powerful individuals and institutions failed them.' However, Buckingham Palace has declined the request, citing ongoing police investigations in the UK involving the king's brother, Prince Andrew, who was a longtime Epstein associate.

  • Khanna introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act in 2025.
  • King Charles is scheduled to visit the US later this month.

The players

Ro Khanna

A Democratic congressman representing California's 17th district, which includes parts of Silicon Valley. Khanna has pushed for transparency around the Epstein case.

King Charles III

The current monarch of the United Kingdom, who is scheduled to visit the US later this month.

Prince Andrew

The king's brother, who was a longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein and has been accused of sexual assault by one of Epstein's victims.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges in 2019 before dying in a reported suicide.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's alleged accomplice who was convicted of sex trafficking in 2021.

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What they’re saying

“This could be a defining moment for the monarchy to keep it relevant to my generation in the 21st century.”

— Ro Khanna, U.S. Congressman

“Survivors want this meeting because it could lead to additional information about the sex-trafficking network led by the convicted pedophile and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.”

— Ro Khanna, U.S. Congressman

What’s next

Khanna said he hopes the king will reconsider meeting with Epstein's victims, noting that 'the staff always says no' and that the king should look at this from the perspective of his 'historical legacy.' If a meeting is not possible, Khanna suggested the king could use his address to Congress to acknowledge the importance of transparency around the Epstein case.

The takeaway

Khanna's request puts diplomatic pressure on King Charles to address the monarchy's past failures in the Epstein scandal and demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability. The king's response will impact perceptions of the royal family's relevance to younger generations.