Tricky doesn’t begin to describe the upcoming State visit to the US by King Charles and Queen Camilla.

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We don’t really know what they wanted. Cancel? Postpone? Full steam ahead?

We do know they’ll have to muster every ounce of charm and diplomatic self possession to get through it. Talk about taking one for the team.

The recent scandals and allegations surrounding King Charles’ brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, have left their mark. While the former Duke of York denies any wrongdoing, the King has put a vast sea of clear blue water between the Crown and the accused. More could follow, though. Charles has made it clear his door is open to any and all ‘appropriate authorities’ investigating matters that might pertain to his brother’s activities and what the Royal Family knew and did themselves.

All of that might make the royal machine recoil from suggestions the royal couple should meet victims of Jeffrey Epstein. As one of my aunties used to say “never trouble trouble ‘til trouble troubles you”.

I find myself thinking Queen Camilla could be the answer here.

She’s worked for years now in the field of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls. High profile meetings with Gisele Pelicot and John and Amy Hunt got the headlines but she’s very involved with and supportive of a number of projects aimed at helping victims of abuse.

If she were to hold a private meeting with survivors it could achieve two things: potential healing for women whose lives are blighted by what they suffered, and a message from those close to power that they get it. One of the problems with the monarchy at the moment is a feeling that they don’t.

Wouldn’t it be ironic if the woman once accused of threatening the Crown turned out to be the one to save it?

They should be bold and let her do it.

Listen to LBC's Shelagh Fogarty from 1-4pm Monday to Friday on the LBC app.

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