A senior British diplomat who abruptly left his post at the UK embassy in Washington earlier this week has been honoured by King Charles. James Roscoe had been serving as interim ambassador, standing in for Peter Mandelson, before his sudden departure.
Honour Conferred After US State Visit
Roscoe was made a lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) by King Charles on 30 April, an honour recognising distinguished personal service to the monarch. The award was linked to the recent state visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla to the United States, which marked the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The official public record, the Gazette, published the appointment on Wednesday, stating the king had been “graciously pleased” to grant the honour. Roscoe, a former chief press officer in Downing Street for Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, now holds the LVO designation.
Investigation into National Security Leak
No official reason has been given for Roscoe’s departure from his post. However, an investigation is underway 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.
The leaked discussions are protected by the Official Secrets Act, and any breach is considered a serious matter. Roscoe, who had been deputy head of mission since 2022, stood in as interim ambassador after Mandelson was dismissed due to his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Roscoe was among those tipped for the permanent ambassador role, but the position ultimately went to Christian Turner. A Foreign Office spokesperson issued a brief statement early Wednesday: “James Roscoe has left his post.” Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the award but noted the honours were made last month, with precedent for recognising staff involved in planning state visits.
