Full Breakdown
King Charles’s Washington Visit and Push for Full Release of Epstein Files
4/26/2026, 12:39:14 AM
Visit Overview and Call for Action
King Charles III is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C., this week. Democratic Representative Ro Khanna has urged the monarch to use the visit to press President Donald Trump for the release of the remaining Epstein-related documents and to signal support for victims.
Legislative Background and Royal Scrutiny
Khanna and Republican Congressman Thomas Massie passed legislation compelling the Justice Department to disclose Epstein files. The Royal Family faces scrutiny over Prince Andrew’s alleged sexual-trafficking relationship with Epstein, a claim by accuser Virginia Giuffre. Buckingham Palace says King Charles and Queen Camilla will not meet victims during the trip, citing ongoing British investigations. Former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson and Prince Andrew have declined to testify before Congress.
Scope of Withheld Documents
Although President Trump ordered the release of some Epstein-related material, the Justice Department continues to withhold 2.6 million documents, creating a knowledge gap.
Official Statements and Responses
Khanna told *The Daily Telegraph* that urging the King to press for the files would show “international leadership” and address monarchy scrutiny. He urged Congress not to heckle the monarch, calling the address “not a gotcha moment.” Buckingham Palace said the King and Queen will not meet survivors “for the best interest of the survivors themselves,” citing investigations. The White House has not commented; the Justice Department has released only part of the files.
Criticism of the Monarchy’s Handling
Khanna said the Royal Family is “caught up with the abuse of Epstein survivors,” noting a direct allegation against Prince Andrew, questions about who visited the royal court, and the monarchy’s failure to speak out earlier. He suggested the King could make “an enormous gesture” by meeting survivors privately or publicly affirming that no one is above the law.
Implications and Next Steps
A strong statement from King Charles could shape U.S. views of the British monarchy and signal a willingness to hold elites accountable, contrasting with the United Kingdom’s lack of investigations or prosecutions. The King will address a joint session of Congress, and Khanna suggested a private meeting with survivors if a public appearance is not feasible. Diplomatic talks may be needed to secure testimony from Prince Andrew and Mandelson.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The Justice Department has released some Epstein-related files but continues to withhold 2.6 million documents, creating a public-knowledge gap. Efforts to compel testimony from Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson have stalled due to jurisdictional limits, and no formal investigation or prosecution has been launched in Britain.
Verbatim Quotes
“This is an opportunity for international leadership, and it’s a missed opportunity if the King doesn’t [take it],” — Ro Khanna, Rep.
“I don’t think any member of Congress will or should heckle him,” — Ro Khanna, Rep.
“What’s important is that the King says, as a representative of the British people, ‘I stand with the survivors,’” — Ro Khanna, Rep.
“The Royal Family is caught up with the abuse of Epstein survivors,” — Ro Khanna, Rep.
