Giuffre family criticises King Charles US schedule
Virginia Giuffre’s family has criticised King Charles for not meeting survivors of Jeffrey Epstein during the monarch’s recent state visit to the United States, calling it a “missed opportunity” given their proximity while he was in Washington, D.C. The comments, made to US media, come amid ongoing public scrutiny of the Royal Family’s past links to Epstein through the King’s brother, Prince Andrew.
Fox News reported that Buckingham Palace told USA Today the King would not meet Giuffre’s brother, citing concerns the meeting could affect “ongoing police inquiries” and potential legal action involving the former Prince Andrew.
Giuffre, who accused the Duke of York of sexual abuse, died by suicide last year at the age of 41, according to the report. Her brother, Mr Sky Roberts, said the family was in Washington lobbying at the same time as the King’s address to Congress and claimed they were “less than five minutes away” from him, arguing he could have taken a short meeting with survivors.
The Fox News report said King Charles’s four-day trip marked the 250th anniversary of American independence and included Washington, New York City and Virginia, with engagements planned in advance by both governments. The Palace also reiterated in a statement that the King and Queen’s “thoughts and deepest sympathies” remain with victims and survivors of abuse.
The criticism lands as attention continues to focus on Prince Andrew’s status following renewed controversy, including reports of fresh fallout around the Duke of York and Epstein in recent Royal Family coverage.
Giuffre’s family also said they are advocating for “Virginia’s Law”, legislation intended to remove time limits for adult survivors to bring civil claims relating to sexual abuse and trafficking, and urged public figures to help amplify survivors’ voices.
