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
Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces new scrutiny over his decision to name Peter Mandelson as Britain’s US ambassador, following claims that King Charles expressed reservations about the appointment. The controversy has sparked discussions about potential transparency regarding the monarch’s input in the process.
Correspondence between the King and ministers
According to reports, His Majesty composed two letters highlighting his concerns regarding the selection of the controversial peer for the high-profile role in Washington DC. These communications are expected to be disclosed in the upcoming weeks, as part of a broader effort to shed light on the appointment’s background.
The first set of documents, including a letter from the Foreign Office requesting the King’s approval, was released last month. A second note from Buckingham Palace is said to have further emphasized the monarch’s doubts about Mandelson’s suitability for the post.
Context of the appointment
Lord Mandelson was officially appointed in December 2024, but his tenure ended abruptly in September of the previous year after new details emerged about his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. This marks the third time the New Labour figure has been removed from a government position, following prior exits during Tony Blair’s administration.
When the Foreign Office submitted the formal letter for approval, the King reportedly expressed surprise that the accompanying CV omitted references to Mandelson’s past resignations and his ties to Epstein. This oversight has raised questions about the thoroughness of the vetting process.
Legal inquiries and denials
Prosecutors are providing early investigative guidance to police as they examine Lord Mandelson’s and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s connections to Epstein. The former Duke of York and Mandelson were arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to these associations.
“Do you really think that’s wise?”
Lord Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the documents related to Epstein’s case in the US do not prove he violated laws or acted in self-interest. He has also reiterated his regret over the friendship with Epstein.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has similarly dismissed allegations of misconduct, maintaining his innocence in relation to the Epstein scandal. Buckingham Palace has stated it cannot provide further comments on the matter.
