WASHINGTON — A United States lawmaker has proposed that King Charles III, during his anticipated late-April visit to the United States, meet with victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, expressing confidence that the suggestion would be taken seriously by officials who have spent years not taking it seriously.

The congressman, speaking at a press conference held specifically to make the suggestion, said the King's visit represented "a unique opportunity" to address matters that previous unique opportunities had failed to address. "This is about accountability," he said, using a word frequently deployed by officials who are not being held accountable.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the proposal, a response palace observers interpreted as consistent with the palace's long-standing policy of declining to comment on proposals. A palace source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the King's schedule was "being finalized" and would likely include the traditional elements of royal visits: ceremonies, dinners, and carefully choreographed interactions with pre-screened members of the public.

The lawmaker's office released a statement noting that the congressman had "raised awareness" of the issue, an accomplishment his staff described as distinct from actually resolving the issue. "The congressman believes in using his platform," said a spokesperson, referring to the platform the congressman has possessed throughout his entire tenure in office.

When asked what mechanism existed to compel a visiting head of state to meet with crime victims as part of a diplomatic visit, the lawmaker's office said it was "exploring options," a phrase it has used to describe its approach to several other issues since 2019.

Royal protocol experts confirmed that state visits typically involve months of advance planning between governments, with schedules designed to avoid controversy, unpredictability, or anything resembling accountability. "The King will likely visit a museum, attend a state dinner, and perhaps tour a historically significant site," said one expert. "That's how these things work, and how they will continue to work."

At press time, the congressman was reportedly drafting a follow-up letter urging the King to also solve several other problems the congressman himself is technically empowered to address.