LONDON − When he travels to the United States for a state visit, King Charles III will not meet with the brother ofVirginia Roberts Giuffre, the woman who accusedAndrew Mountbatten-Windsorof sexually abusing her, because of concerns it could impact "ongoing police inquiries" and bring "possible legal action," Buckingham Palace said in an exclusive statement to USA TODAY.
Giuffre died by suicide a year ago at 41.
On the eve of the king's visit, which begins April 27, Sky Roberts − Roberts Giuffre's brother − told USA TODAY in an interview he wants the king to meet with him and survivors of sexual abuse during his four-day visit to Washington and New York. His sister was one of the most outspoken survivors against Mountbatten-Windsor, the disgraced former prince, andJeffrey Epstein, who trafficked her at the age of 17.
"We fully understand and appreciate the survivors’ and their advocates' position. But can only reiterate that anything arising from such meeting that could potentially impact on ongoing police inquiries and assessments, and any potential legal action that could result from that, would be to the detriment of the survivors themselves in their pursuit of justice," a Palace spokesperson said in a rare, lengthy statement, in response to USA TODAY'S inquiries following Roberts' calls for a meeting.
Epstein died by suicide in prison in 2019 while still awaiting trial.
Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his titles in 2025 and forced out of his royal residence. He settled a civil lawsuit with Roberts Giuffre in 2022 but never admitted to wrongdoing. He hasn’t been charged for any alleged sex crimes, but was arrested this year on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he passed confidential documents to Epstein. He now lives on Sandringham Estate, the king’s estate in Norfolk, England.
Members of Congress have repeatedly asked the former prince to come to the U.S. to testify about his ties to Epstein. His older brother, the king, has expressed his "deepest concern" over the events surrounding his brother. It wasn't immediately clear what "possible legal action" the Palace was referring to.
In Roberts' interview with USA TODAY, he said he wants "the king to look me in the face, to see my sister in me. I’m her blood. I want him to see Virginia in a different way than just reading it in the news." He added: "This isn’t about the king coming here and partying and celebrating with Trump. This should be about you coming here and taking a stand, to set an example for other world leaders and come forward for survivors."
The Palace added in its statement that "His Majesty’s constitutional position, not least with regards to the judicial process, is such that even though the risk may be small that a meeting or any public comments could impact on the proper course of the law, that is a risk that we simply can’t take, for the best interest of the survivors themselves."
The state visit with King Charles and Queen Camilla will mark the 250th anniversary of America’s independence but may also smooth the United Kingdom'srocky relations with the Trump administrationover various issues including the war in Iran, which the U.K. opted not to take part in.
While Charles and Camilla are joining dignitaries at a black-tie state dinner at the White House and a private tea event, Roberts will be nearby meeting with senators in the U.S. Capitol, he said.
He will be prepping talking points to lobby for “Virginia’s Law,” named after his sister, which would eliminate the statute of limitations that has shielded sex traffickers such as Epstein.
Kim Hjelmgaard is an investigative journalist covering global stories for USA TODAY, from living rooms to conflict zones. He is based in London.
Laura Trujillo is a national columnist focusing on health and wellness. She is the author of "Stepping Back from the Ledge: A Daughter's Search for Truth and Renewal" and can be reached at ltrujillo@usatoday.com.
