As King Charles prepares for his state visit, a wave of determined voices is converging on Washington D.C., carrying a plea that echoes with years of pain and unanswered questions. Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein are planning high-profile meetings and protests, hoping to directly address the monarchy’s response to the devastating scandal.
Virginia Giuffre’s family will be present at a crucial meeting alongside Epstein survivors and a prominent US lawmaker just hours before the King’s address to Congress. This gathering aims to amplify the stories often silenced and demand accountability for the systemic failures that allowed abuse to flourish.
Simultaneously, Epstein survivor Rina Oh is orchestrating a powerful “live art protest” directly across from the White House, timed to coincide with the King’s meeting with Donald Trump. The protest will be a visual representation of the trauma endured, a stark reminder of the shadows cast by Epstein’s crimes.
These actions are fueled by a growing frustration that pleas for a direct meeting with the King have been denied. Despite a direct appeal from Congressman Ro Khanna, who spearheaded the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Buckingham Palace cites potential interference with ongoing legal proceedings as the reason for declining.
Khanna is now hosting a roundtable discussion, bringing together survivors like Sharlene Rochard, alongside advocates and family members of victims. The focus will be on the realities of trafficking and sexual assault, and the urgent need for systemic change to protect future generations.
The events follow a deeply emotional memorial vigil held just days prior, honoring Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who tragically passed away last year. Her claims of abuse at the hands of Prince Andrew continue to cast a long shadow, demanding a reckoning with the past.
Attendees at the roundtable are expected to reiterate their call for the King to publicly acknowledge the suffering of survivors and demonstrate genuine support for their healing. They seek a clear statement of commitment to justice and prevention.
Buckingham Palace maintains its position, asserting that any meeting could potentially jeopardize ongoing investigations and legal actions. They emphasize the King’s constitutional obligations and the need to avoid any action that could compromise the pursuit of justice for survivors.
Rina Oh’s art protest will feature a striking installation – a redacted male figure – and a symbolic English afternoon tea, complete with an empty chair reserved for the King. It’s a poignant invitation for dialogue, a desperate hope for a moment of connection and understanding.
“I will be hosting my own tea party with a reserved seat for Charles,” Oh stated, “to hear the story of survivors like myself, who are continuing to live through the nightmares.” She is specifically requesting the Royal Family invest in expanded mental health resources and create scholarship opportunities for those impacted by Epstein’s crimes.
Congressman Khanna believes the monarchy has a pivotal choice to make. “The British Monarchy can be seen a relic of colonialism or it can be a modern force for standing up for women’s rights and human rights,” he said, urging the King to consider meeting with survivors or addressing accountability in his speech.
While the King remains unavailable to meet with Epstein survivors, Queen Camilla will be engaging with campaigners dedicated to combating domestic abuse, highlighting the Royal Family’s broader commitment to addressing violence against women.
The Palace spokesperson reiterated the difficult decision, explaining that the potential for even a small risk of impacting legal proceedings outweighs the benefits of a meeting. They underscored the King and Queen’s previous statements and Her Majesty’s long-standing advocacy for victims of abuse.
