No Meeting Scheduled for King and Queen with Epstein Victims During US Trip
State Visit Confirmed
The King and Queen will proceed with their state visit to the US from April 27-30, despite calls for cancellation amid ongoing issues related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The Liberal Democrats urged Sir Keir Starmer to cancel the state visit, criticizing the Prime Minister’s response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Donald Trump has confirmed the King and Queen’s state visit to the US will take place from April 27 to 30, 2024, with a White House banquet dinner scheduled for April 28.
Briefing summary
There are no plans for the King and Queen to meet survivors of Jeffrey Epstein during their upcoming state visit to the US due to ongoing investigations in the UK.
Donald Trump confirmed the state visit will occur from April 27 to 30, highlighting an evening banquet at the White House on April 28, which he called “momentous.”
Defence Secretary John Healey stated that the visit would reinforce the special relationship between the United States and the UK, despite recent strains and calls for cancellation from the Liberal Democrats.
Full reading: No plans for King and Queen to meet Epstein victims during US visit despite congressman’s plea | UK News
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.
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.
He was taken into police custody and later released under investigation on suspicion that he shared sensitive information with Epstein when he was the UK trade envoy.
The former prince has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
Donald Trump 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.
The party’s leader 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'”.
The confirmation of the state visit comes as Mr Trump continues his attacks on the UK government’s reaction to his war on 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 under strain 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.
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.”
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