King Charles ‘warned Keir Starmer against appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador’ in latest humiliation for the PM
King Charles’s Concerns Over Peter Mandelson’s US Ambassador Appointment Surface
Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces renewed scrutiny following the revelation that King Charles II reportedly cautioned against appointing Peter Mandelson as Britain’s US ambassador. The claim adds to the growing challenges surrounding the leadership’s choice, which has sparked debates about transparency and diplomatic judgment.
Monarch’s Notes Highlight Royal Disapproval
According to sources, the King composed two letters expressing his reservations about naming the politically contentious peer as the UK’s senior diplomat in Washington DC. These documents are expected to be shared in the upcoming release of files related to Mandelson’s selection.
Officials suggest that a second note from Buckingham Palace further emphasized the King’s doubts, while a separate communication was sent during their weekly meeting. Despite this, Downing Street has denied the existence of such a letter, maintaining that the King’s role is advisory rather than decisive.
Document Release Sparks Questions About Secrecy
Starmer has pledged to disclose a broad array of materials tied to Mandelson’s nomination. The first set of documents was made public last month, with a second batch anticipated shortly. Some information, however, may remain confidential, citing potential risks to national security or ongoing investigations.
One of the King’s notes, attached to the formal approval request from the Foreign Office, reportedly questioned the wisdom of the appointment. The letter, which was published as part of the initial release, reportedly surprised the monarch with the omission of Mandelson’s prior resignations from government roles and his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein Links and Past Resignations Resurface
Lord Mandelson, a prominent figure in New Labour, was appointed as US ambassador in December 2024. However, he was dismissed in September 2023 after new details emerged about his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. This marks the third time the former Cabinet minister has been removed from a government post, following earlier exits during Tony Blair’s tenure.
Prosecutors are offering early guidance to the police as they probe Mandelson’s and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s connections to Epstein. Both men were recently arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over these links. Mandelson has vowed to cooperate with the investigation, insisting he acted lawfully and regrets his association with Epstein.
“Do you really think that’s wise?”
— Private Eye’s reported note to the King, raising concerns about the appointment.
Mountbatten-Windsor has also denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his innocence in the Epstein affair. Buckingham Palace remains silent on further details, citing the need to protect sensitive information.
