Britain's ambassador to Washington has said the US' only "special relationship" is "probably Israel," and has criticised the phrase as "nostalgic" and "backwards looking," according to remarks in a recording reported by the Financial Times.

The comments have been revealed amid a four-day state visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Washington.

Christian Turner, who started his post in February, made the comments at an event with British students in mid-February.

Speaking to the students, Turner said he disliked the phrase "special relationship" to describe UK-US ties, calling it "backwards-looking," though he maintained that relations remained "strong."

Comments on politics

Turner also commented on UK politics and the position of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying "at one stage he (Starmer) was pretty clearly on the ropes" and that his future looked "quite touch and go."

He further criticised the American political system over its handling of the Epstein scandal, saying it was "extraordinary" that it "hasn't touched anybody" in the US.

Turner has taken the post following the sacking of Peter Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to Washington over his ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Mandelson was appointed in December 2024 but was dismissed in September 2025 after Downing Street said new information had emerged about the extent of his relationship with Epstein.

Mandelson, long dubbed a political "spin doctor," ended his career with resignations from both the Labour Party and the House of Lords.