King Charles Expressed Concerns Over Mandelson's US Ambassador Appointment
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is confronting renewed political pressure following revelations that King Charles III personally warned against the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to the United States. According to reports, His Majesty penned two separate notes expressing his reservations about naming the controversial peer to this crucial diplomatic position in Washington DC.
Palace Correspondence Raises Questions
The King is said to have attached an accompanying note when constitutionally required to sign off on Lord Mandelson's appointment, reportedly asking: 'Do you really think that's wise?' A second Buckingham Palace communication also raised royal concerns about Mandelson being given the high-profile diplomatic role. These developments have sparked questions about whether correspondence between the monarch and ministers regarding this appointment will be released publicly in the coming weeks.
Document Release and Withheld Material
Prime Minister Starmer has committed to publishing a wide range of documents connected to the peer's appointment, with the first batch of files released last month. Another tranche of papers is scheduled for release, though some material is expected to be withheld. This withholding is reportedly due to either connections with an ongoing police investigation into Lord Mandelson or concerns about jeopardising national security and diplomatic relations.
Controversial Appointment and Subsequent Dismissal
Lord Mandelson was named as US ambassador in December 2024, but Sir Keir was compelled to dismiss him in September last year following further revelations about his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. This marked the third time the New Labour architect had been removed from a Government position, having twice departed Tony Blair's Cabinet amid previous scandals.
When the King received the Foreign Office's formal letter seeking his approval for Mandelson's appointment, he was reportedly 'surprised' that a 'flattering' curriculum vitae omitted any mention of the peer's previous governmental resignations or his connections to Epstein. This particular letter was published as part of the initial release of Mandelson files last month.
Ongoing Police Investigation
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed on Wednesday that prosecutors are 'providing early investigative advice' to police as they conduct inquiries into Lord Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's links to Epstein. Both the former duke of York and Lord Mandelson were arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office concerning their associations with the paedophile financier. They have since been released under investigation.
Lord Mandelson has pledged to cooperate fully with the police investigation and 'to clear his name.' He has denied that released documents about Epstein in the United States demonstrate he violated any laws or acted for personal gain, while repeatedly expressing regret about his friendship with Epstein. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has similarly denied any wrongdoing regarding his Epstein connections.
Downing Street, the Cabinet Office, and Buckingham Palace have all been approached for comment regarding these latest developments. The situation continues to develop as more documents are expected to be released and the police investigation progresses.
