Britain’s ambassador to the United States has stirred diplomatic embarrassment after suggesting that the only country with a true “special relationship” with Washington is “probably Israel,” not the United Kingdom, according to leaked comments that could overshadow King Charles III’s ongoing state visit to the US.
Christian Turner, who assumed his post in February following the dismissal of Peter Mandelson over his links to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, reportedly made the remarks in a private discussion with British students visiting the US shortly after taking office.
“‘Special relationship’ is a phrase I try not to utter because it’s quite nostalgic, it’s quite backwards-looking, and it has a lot of sort of baggage about it,” Turner said in a leaked audio recording. “I think there is probably one country that has a special relationship with the United States – and that is probably Israel.”
The comments, first reported by the Financial Times and emerging as King Charles and Queen Camilla were being received at the White House by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, risk casting a shadow over efforts by Downing Street to reinforce UK-US ties during the state visit.
Turner also spoke candidly about the Epstein scandal, describing it as “extraordinary” that it “hasn’t touched anybody” in the United States.
He contrasted this with the UK, where he said senior figures including Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had been “brought down” by associations with the case.
Both Mandelson and Mountbatten-Windsor are currently under investigation by UK authorities over alleged misconduct in public office.
They have both denied any wrongdoing connected to Epstein, and inclusion in related files does not imply criminal activity.
The ambassador also suggested the scandal exposed differences in accountability between the two countries, calling it an “interesting question” in governance culture.
He further noted that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had been “on the ropes” for months following criticism over Mandelson’s appointment, which Starmer has since said he regrets.
Turner also suggested the Labour leader could face political pressure after local elections in May.
A Foreign Office spokesperson later sought to downplay the remarks, telling CNN they were “private, informal comments” not intended for public release and “certainly not any reflection of the UK Government’s position.”
Despite questioning the traditional framing of the “special relationship,” Turner maintained that UK-US ties remain strong, particularly in defence and security.
“There is a deep history and affinity between us. Particularly on defense and security, we are intertwined,” he said.
However, he argued that the relationship is evolving and must be redefined, especially as Europe adjusts its security posture.
“We in Europe can’t just rely on a US security umbrella. So the relationship will carry on, if you want, special, but I think it’s going to have to be different,” Turner said.
“And my advice to my prime minister is ‘I can’t just put my hands on my ears and say it’s special, it’s going to be fine,’ we’ve got to work really clearly to see what we the UK bring to the table.”
The remarks risk further inflaming political sensitivities surrounding the Epstein case, which has already been a delicate backdrop to the royal visit.
US Democratic Representative Ro Khanna previously urged King Charles to meet Epstein survivors during the trip, but Buckingham Palace has indicated no such meeting is planned, citing concerns it could complicate ongoing legal processes in the UK involving Mountbatten-Windsor.
