UK PM Starmer faces pressure, Royals concern for Epstein victims

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a severe leadership crisis , with his position hanging by a thread just 18 months into office. The turmoil comes after revelations that former British ambassador Peter Mandelson maintained ties with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein , prompting the resignation of Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney , on Sunday.

The controversy centers on Starmer’s 2024 decision to appoint Mandelson to Britain’s top diplomatic post despite knowing about his Epstein connections. Mandelson was fired in September after emails showed he remained in contact with Epstein post-conviction. Police are investigating Mandelson for possible misconduct in public office, though he faces no sexual misconduct allegations. Starmer apologized last week, admitting he had “believed Mandelson’s lies” and pledged to release documentation showing Mandelson misled officials.

McSweeney, a key architect of Labour’s 2024 election landslide, resigned taking responsibility for the appointment. Some Labour figures see his departure as a chance for Starmer to rebuild trust; others warn it leaves the prime minister isolated and vulnerable . Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch called Starmer’s position “untenable,” citing repeated policy missteps and Labour’s poor standing in polls, particularly behind the hard-right Reform UK party.

Adding to the turmoil, Prince William and Princess Catherine have now entered the Epstein narrative, as documents reveal that their uncle, former Prince Andrew, is deeply linked to Epstein . William and Catherine issued a statement saying they were “appalled” by the millions of pages of documents released by the US Department of Justice and emphasized that their thoughts remain with the victims .

Prince Andrew, stripped of his royal titles in October and now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor , has been relocated from Royal Lodge to King Charles III’s Sandringham estate, temporarily staying at Wood Farm Cottage. He continues to deny any wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein.

The twin crises Starmer’s faltering premiership and the royal Epstein connection have put both Britain’s government and monarchy under intense public scrutiny. With Starmer facing potential leadership challenges under the UK’s parliamentary system, the coming days could redefine political and royal leadership in Britain.