King Charles is facing renewed embarrassment as Prince Andrew is excluded from the guest list for President Trump’s state dinner, due to Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein and recent calls for his prosecution in the US. This development comes just before Trump’s historic second state visit to the UK, highlighting ongoing royal scandals.
The state visit, scheduled for September 16-19, 2025, at Windsor Castle, is intended to strengthen UK-US relations, with King Charles eager to maintain diplomatic ties. However, Prince Andrew’s continued notoriety is causing discomfort, as his exclusion from the dinner underscores his diminished status within the monarchy and potential strain on bilateral efforts.
Specifically, Andrew is confirmed absent from the lavish event honoring Trump and First Lady Melania, a shift from his involvement in Trump’s 2019 visit when he participated in business meetings. This change reflects Andrew’s fall from grace after being stripped of royal duties by the late Queen Elizabeth II over his Epstein links, now relegating him to a non-working royal role.
The embarrassment is exacerbated by recent demands from US Representative Nancy Mace, who called for Andrew’s prosecution for any crimes on American soil, citing the need for justice for Epstein’s victims. Mace’s comments, made just days ago, have amplified media scrutiny and public pressure, adding to the king’s challenges in managing the monarchy’s image.
Andrew’s troubles stem from his close ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019. Andrew settled a civil lawsuit out of court in 2022 with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse, though he denies wrongdoing. Giuffre’s death by suicide in April 2025 has kept the case prominent, with victims continuing to seek closure and accountability.
Additionally, Andrew’s reputation was further tarnished in 2024 when he was linked to an alleged Chinese spy, compounding the king’s woes. Sources indicate that Andrew now avoids travel to the US entirely due to fears of arrest or legal action, highlighting the lasting impact of these scandals on his mobility and royal standing.
Despite these issues, royal insiders suggest that Andrew’s non-working status means he is unlikely to severely damage UK-US relations. The state dinner will proceed with other senior royals, such as Prince William and Kate Middleton, in attendance, and diplomatic engagements are expected to reinforce ties, with plans for future royal visits to the US for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
Looking ahead, the British government aims to bolster international cooperation, with King Charles’s potential participation in US events signaling a commitment to partnership, even as the monarchy navigates internal controversies and strives to move past these embarrassments.