King Charles has awarded a prestigious honour to a British ambassador who left his role in the Washington embassy suddenly on Tuesday.
James Roscoe, 49, held one of the most senior roles in Britain's diplomatic service, serving as Deputy at the UK's embassy in Washington.
Following the sacking of Peter Mandelson from the head role in September 2025, due to his links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, Mr Roscoe headed up the department until Sir Christian Turner assumed the role, five months later.
The 49-year-old is said to have played a pivotal role in Donald Trump's State Visit to the UK last year, and in King Charles's recent return leg.
It is in relation to the King's recent transatlantic trip that Mr Roscoe has been made a lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO), it is reported.
This is despite the diplomat abruptly departing his role on Tuesday evening, with no explanation for his resignation yet provided.
According to The Times, the diplomat was facing questions as part of an investigation into the leak of top-secret discussions at a meeting of the National Security Council.
Sources in the Foreign Office told the newspaper that senior embassy officials had been questioned about the leak, which involved comments from UK cabinet ministers about the war in Iran.
King Charles has awarded a prestigious award to James Roscoe (pictured), who left his role in the Washington embassy suddenly on Tuesday
|GETTY
The reason for his exit, however, is unknown.
A Foreign Office spokesman confirmed briefly on Wednesday: "James Roscoe has left his post."
GB News has contacted the Foreign Office for comment.
The Crown’s official public record, The Gazette, which publishes details of royal appointments, honours, state events, and official warrants, announced on Wednesday that the King was "graciously pleased" to grant a series of appointments tied to last month’s official trip.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS
King Charles visited US President Donald Trump last month during his State Visit
| GETTYThis publication showed that Mr Roscoe became an LVO on April 30.
The honour recognises distinguished personal service to the monarch.
Prior to his high-flying role in Washington, Mr Roscoe was the UK ambassador to the United Nations and previously served as communications chief to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
He had also been chief press officer in Downing Street during the premierships of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
Mr Roscoe had other previous diplomatic roles in the UN, Sierra Leone and Iraq.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment on his award but pointed out that while published on Wednesday, the honours were made last month.
There is a precedent for recognising staff involved in planning state visits.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter