A senior British diplomat who abruptly left his role at the UK embassy in Washington this week had been honoured by King Charles weeks earlier. James Roscoe, who served as deputy head of mission and stood in as interim ambassador for Peter Mandelson, departed his post on Wednesday. No official reason has been given for his departure.
Roscoe's exit comes as an investigation is under way into the leak of discussions from a UK national security council meeting. Reports earlier this year revealed cabinet splits over allowing the US to use British bases for strikes against Iran. Senior embassy officials are said to have been questioned as part of the probe, which considers such leaks a serious breach of the Official Secrets Act.
On 30 April, Roscoe was made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) by the King. The honour, recognising distinguished personal service to the monarch, was linked to the recent state visit by Charles and Camilla to the United States, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. The appointment was published in the Gazette on Wednesday.
Roscoe, a former chief press officer in Downing Street for Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, has held diplomatic posts in Sierra Leone and Iraq. He stepped in as interim ambassador after Mandelson was sacked over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Roscoe was considered a candidate for the permanent role, but it went to Christian Turner.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said in a brief statement: 'James Roscoe has left his post.' Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the honour but noted it was made last month, with precedent for recognising staff involved in planning state visits.
