Story perspectives

UK Ambassador Says US “Special Relationship” Is With Israel

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Christian Turner, UK Ambassador, told students in Washington that the United States’ only “special relationship” is probably with Israel, not the United Kingdom, during King Charles III’s visit.
The UK Foreign Office said the remarks were private, informal and does not reflect policy.
In the same recording Turner referenced the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, noting it had not affected anyone in the US but had impacted Prince Andrew and Lord Peter Mandelson.

History

Historical Context

After World II Britain accepted a $3.75 billion emergency loan and, in Churchill’s 1946 speech, urged a “special relationship” that helped shape the 1949 NATO charter. The alliance has endured through Cold-War coalitions and 21st-century trade ties, yet during King Charles III’s 2023 Washington visit Ambassador Christian Turner warned the bond now seems tighter with Israel, prompting a swift Foreign Office denial.

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Story summary

Christian Turner, UK Ambassador, told students in Washington that the United States’ only “special relationship” is probably with Israel, not the United Kingdom, during King Charles III’s visit.
The UK Foreign Office said the remarks were private, informal and does not reflect policy.
In the same recording Turner referenced the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, noting it had not affected anyone in the US but had impacted Prince Andrew and Lord Peter Mandelson.

1 / 2