In an awkward turn of events James Roscoe, the removed deputy head of mission at the British embassy in Washington, has been handed an honour by Buckingham Palace. Out today:
CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD
St. James’s Palace, London SW120 May 2026
THE KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotions in, and appointments to the Royal Victorian Order in connection with His Majesty’s State Visit to the United States of America and Royal Visit to Bermuda (27 April to 2 May 2026):
L.V.O.
To be a Lieutenant:
James Paul ROSCOE, M.V.O.
(To be dated 30 April 2026)
Staff at the embassy were told on Tuesday that Roscoe, who served as interim ambassador after Mandelson’s sacking, had left his role. They were provided no explanation. The Times reports that he has faced questions as part of an investigation into the leak of proceedings at the National Security Council to the Spectator’s Tim Shipman. Oh dear…
Lord Khan in the Telegraph: “I hope, and I say this in a non-pompous way, that the public service I do will bring rewards in this world and the hereafter,” he says. “I’m hoping the work I do is earning me Brownie points.”