British NATO ambassador faces scrutiny over relationship with former intern

Angus Lapsley, the 55-year-old British Ambassador to NATO, is under scrutiny following reports of his relationship with a 29-year-old Italian assistant, Francesca Cortini. The couple reportedly resides together in the official five-story British ambassadorial residence in Brussels. The relationship began approximately two years ago when Cortini was an intern at NATO headquarters. According to reports, the living arrangement has become an open secret within diplomatic circles in Brussels. Concerns regarding professional ethics were reportedly raised by Admiral Keith Blount and Caroline Wilson, the outgoing British Ambassador to the European Union. Lapsley allegedly withdrew from a scheduled NATO meeting as details of the situation became public. The UK government and NATO have reportedly conducted internal reviews into the matter. Thus far, no official disciplinary actions have been publicly announced, though the situation remains a topic of discussion among high-ranking officials.