Christian Turner

In audio leaked to the Financial Times newspaper, Ambassador Christian Turner tells a group of British students visiting Washington that if America has any special relationship.

It's probably with Israel.

And he calls it extraordinary that the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, quote, hasn't touched anybody in the U.S.

In the audio, which is from February, Turner mentions the King's brother, Andrew, and his own predecessor as ambassador, Peter Mandelson, both fired from official roles over ties to the late sex offender.

And he says questions over Mandelson's appointment might still bring down the British prime minister.

Lauren Frayer, NPR News, London.