King Charles III made headlines on April 28, 2026, during a historic address to the United States Congress, as he subtly referenced the victims of high-profile abuse cases, including that of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This speech marked him as only the second British monarch to address Congress, following in the footsteps of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
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In his speech, the King stressed the importance of solidarity between the United Kingdom and the United States during challenging times. While he received enthusiastic applause for his remarks about NATO unity and support for Ukraine, it was his unexpected acknowledgment of societal ills that caught the attention of many. He stated, “It is the very fact of our vibrant, diverse and free societies that gives us our collective strength, including to support victims of some of the ills that, so tragically, exist in both our societies today.”
This comment had particular resonance as several U.S. lawmakers had previously urged King Charles to meet with victims of sexual abuse during his state visit. These calls were rooted in the King’s personal connections to the Epstein saga, primarily through his brother, Prince Andrew, who has faced significant scrutiny due to his ties with Epstein.
However, it was revealed prior to the King’s visit that he would not be meeting with Epstein’s victims. Concerns were raised around ongoing investigations in the UK into the Epstein case, particularly following the arrest of Prince Andrew in February 2026 related to allegations of misconduct in public office. Sources indicated that a meeting could jeopardise legal proceedings or any subsequent actions stemming from those inquiries.
Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to his association with Epstein, who was found dead in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for federal sex trafficking charges. The ramifications of this scandal have cast a long shadow over the monarchy, resulting in a conscious effort by King Charles to distance the royal family from the allegations.
On the day prior to the congressional address, the King and Queen Consort Camilla attended a significant garden party at the British embassy in Washington, D.C. This event was attended by over 600 guests, including celebrities, politicians, and advocates for various charitable causes, reflecting royal support for philanthropic work. Queen Camilla, in particular, engaged with representatives focused on survivors of domestic abuse, a cause she has been vocally committed to. Sandra Jackson, CEO of the House of Ruth, remarked on the importance of the Queen’s involvement, stating that her support helps raise awareness of critical societal issues.
Interestingly, while the Queen expressed compassion and gratitude to those working on behalf of abuse survivors, she also acknowledged the King and her own decision not to meet with Epstein’s victims. Jackson added, “I respect their decision,” highlighting the complexities surrounding royal engagements amid sensitive legal matters.
In a palace statement released in October 2025, King Charles highlighted his intention to support victims of abuse, affirming that his and the Queen’s sympathy for survivors is unwavering. This came after the King took decisive action to remove Andrew’s royal titles and honours due to the Epstein connection, indicating a clear stance against behaviour linked to the disgraced financier.
Following Prince Andrew’s arrest in February, the palace reiterated the King’s commitment to supporting victims of abuse. The statement conveyed the King’s deep concern regarding the ongoing investigations and the allegations brought against his brother, while also maintaining that the responsibility to address specific claims lay with Prince Andrew himself.
This visit to the United States not only exemplified King Charles’s diplomatic efforts but also reflected a nuanced approach to addressing sensitive topics, particularly surrounding the royal family’s connections to controversial figures. As the monarch continues to navigate his reign, balancing tradition with contemporary challenges, the echoes of his message regarding empathy for victims resonate strongly in both nations.