Leaked comments from the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States suggest that Washington’s only true “special relationship” may now be with Israel, remarks that surfaced just as King Charles III began a state visit aimed at reinforcing ties between London and Washington.
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Sir Christian Turner made the comments during a private meeting in February with British sixth-form students visiting the United States. An audio recording of the discussion, first reported by the Financial Times, was published on Tuesday.
Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said the remarks were informal and did not reflect official government policy.
Leaked remarks question historic phrase
In the recording, Sir Christian suggested the long-standing description of the UK–US partnership as a “special relationship” may be outdated.
“‘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 baggage,” he told the students.
He added that Israel might now occupy that role in Washington’s foreign policy.
“I think there is probably one country that has a special relationship with the United States, and that is probably Israel,” he said.
His comments emerged at a sensitive moment. King Charles III arrived in Washington on Tuesday for a state visit designed in part to strengthen relations between the two countries.
The visit comes as relations between US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are strained, particularly over the ongoing war in Iran.
Shared history but changing era
Despite questioning the phrase itself, Sir Christian emphasised the depth of ties between the UK and the US, especially in defence, security and economic cooperation.
In the recording he described the two countries as sharing “a deep history and affinity”, adding that their economies remain closely connected.
“There are things we do together that no two other countries do,” he said.
However, he also suggested the broader geopolitical environment was shifting.
He told the students he did not believe the alliance was facing a “moment of rupture”, but argued that the relationship was entering a new phase.
“We’re certainly at the end of an era, and the era is changing,” he said.
He added that European countries could no longer rely solely on American security guarantees and would need to contribute more.
“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,” he said, adding that Britain must demonstrate clearly what it brings to the partnership.
Additional comments draw attention
In the same discussion, Sir Christian also reflected on the political impact of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
He said it was “extraordinary” that the controversy surrounding the disgraced financier had “not touched anybody” in the United States.
By contrast, he noted the scandal had “brought down” figures in Britain, including Prince Andrew and Sir Christian’s predecessor as ambassador to Washington, Lord Peter Mandelson.
Prince Andrew has repeatedly denied wrongdoing connected to Epstein. Lord Mandelson has previously apologised for maintaining a friendship with Epstein, saying he only learned the full extent of the financier’s actions after his death.
The comments have drawn renewed attention to the issue during the royal visit. King Charles and Queen Camilla are under pressure from some campaigners to meet survivors of Epstein’s abuse during their time in the United States, although they are not expected to do so.
Government distances itself
Sir Christian, a career diplomat, was appointed Britain’s ambassador to Washington in December.
Responding to the reports, the Foreign Office said the remarks were made privately and should not be interpreted as the UK government’s official position.
“These were private, informal comments made to a group of UK sixth-form students visiting the US in early February,” a spokesperson said.
“They are certainly not any reflection of the UK government’s position.”
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 April 2026
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