King Charles ‘warned Keir Starmer against appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador’ in latest humiliation for the PM
King Charles ‘warned Keir Starmer against appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador’ in latest humiliation for the PM
Royal Concerns Over Appointment
Keir Starmer is facing renewed scrutiny following his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as the UK’s US ambassador, after reports surfaced that King Charles had cautioned against the choice. His Majesty is said to have drafted two letters expressing reservations about naming the controversial peer for the top diplomatic post in Washington DC.
The latest disclosures suggest the monarch raised concerns during a formal approval process, though no official correspondence has yet been made public. A Buckingham Palace note reportedly questioned the wisdom of the move, with the king’s concerns highlighted in discussions during their weekly audience.
Document Release and Withheld Materials
The Foreign Office’s formal letter seeking the King’s endorsement of Lord Mandelson’s appointment was included in the initial batch of files released last month. This document, along with a second palace note, revealed the royal’s unease about the ambassador’s background, particularly his prior resignations and ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Downing Street sources have disputed the existence of the letters, yet the publication of the first tranche has sparked debate over whether additional materials will be disclosed. Some documents are expected to remain confidential, likely due to their relevance to ongoing police inquiries or potential impacts on national security.
Background on the Controversy
Lord Mandelson was named as US ambassador in December 2024, but he was abruptly removed from the role in September 2024 after new details emerged about his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. This marks the third time the New Labour figure has been dismissed from a government position, following prior scandals during Tony Blair’s tenure.
“Do you really think that’s wise?”
The report detailed how the King expressed surprise that the CV submitted for approval omitted references to Mandelson’s past exits from government and his connection to Epstein. Prosecutors are now providing early investigative guidance to the police as they probe the links between Lord Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York.
Investigation and Denials
Both men were arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to their associations with Epstein. Lord Mandelson has pledged to support the investigation and clear his name, insisting he acted without personal gain. He has also criticized the release of documents in the US, claiming they do not prove wrongdoing.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has similarly denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his innocence regarding the Epstein connections. Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the matter, leaving the details of the king’s involvement to remain in question.
