A House Democrat is asking King Charles to speak up for Epstein's victims during his US visit

Rep. Ro Khanna of California is making a quiet but pointed request ahead of King Charles III's address to Congress this week: use the moment to acknowledge the victims of Jeffrey Epstein. In a Sunday statement, Khanna said the visit could be more than a ceremonial gesture - it could be a chance for moral leadership. The British monarch is set to make his first state visit to the United States, a trip steeped in tradition and diplomatic symbolism, but now shadowed by old questions about his ties to the convicted sex offender.

Khanna didn't accuse the king of wrongdoing, but he emphasized that public figures have a responsibility to recognize harm, especially when they've moved in the same circles as powerful men who abused their status. Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, had connections to royalty, politicians, and billionaires. Charles's association with him - including accepting donations to his charities and being photographed with him - has long drawn scrutiny, though no evidence has linked the king to Epstein's crimes.

The congressman's appeal isn't a demand, but a suggestion that the speech could carry deeper meaning if it included a nod to survivors. He pointed to other moments when world leaders have used high-profile platforms to confront uncomfortable truths, calling it a chance to show empathy and integrity. The White House, for its part, has kept its messaging focused on the broader U.S.-UK alliance, avoiding any direct comment on the request.

Buckingham Palace hasn't responded publicly, and there's no indication whether Charles plans to mention Epstein or his victims. The royal household has previously expressed regret over the association and stated that Charles ended contact with Epstein years before his arrest. Still, the issue resurfaces with each major public appearance, especially in the U.S., where Epstein's crimes and the network around him remain a raw topic.

Some see Khanna's move as overdue, a way to hold even symbolic leaders accountable. Others view it as political theater, ill-timed during a diplomatic visit meant to strengthen ties, not reopen old wounds. But the conversation itself reflects a shift in expectations - that even ceremonial figures aren't fully insulated from public calls for acknowledgment and justice.

The state visit includes a joint address to Congress, a White House dinner, and meetings with President Biden and congressional leaders. It's meant to highlight shared values and history. Yet, as with many such events today, it's also being measured against modern demands for transparency and moral clarity, especially on issues involving power and abuse.

Whether King Charles addresses the issue or not, the fact that it's being raised at all shows how the legacy of Epstein's actions continues to ripple through institutions and relationships once considered untouchable.