A previously unseen photograph showing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein seated together has surfaced in files released by the US Department of Justice, marking the first time the three men have been pictured together.
The image, believed to have been taken at Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, shows the disgraced former prince and the current UK ambassador to the United States wearing bathrobes, while Epstein appears fully clothed. The three men are seated around a wooden table bearing mugs decorated with the US flag. As with all photographs contained within the Epstein files, no date or contextual information accompanies the image.
The picture bears a close resemblance to a separate photograph of Mandelson and Epstein that appeared in the convicted paedophile’s so-called birthday book, released last year, which is thought to date from around 1999 to 2000. In that book, Mandelson is said to have written to Epstein referring to him as his “best pal.” Epstein was convicted of child sex offences in 2008.
The newly released files have added to existing scrutiny of both men’s ties to Epstein. UK government documents detailing Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador by Sir Keir Starmer revealed that vetting procedures had flagged both Mandelson and Andrew as having had “particularly close” relationships with the financier following his conviction. Mandelson is known to have stayed at Epstein’s Manhattan property while Epstein was serving a prison sentence for soliciting a minor.
Emails released as part of the same DOJ disclosures show Mandelson urging Epstein to “fight for early release,” writing that his friends would “stay with you and love you.” Financial documents within the files also appear to indicate that Epstein transferred $75,000 to Mandelson and paid £10,000 towards an osteopathy course for Mandelson’s husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva. Mandelson has previously stated he has no record or recollection of receiving the sum.
Separate material in the files relating to Andrew shows him inviting Epstein to Buckingham Palace just days after the conclusion of Epstein’s custodial sentence, describing his release as “really, really good news.” Emails indicate the two men swiftly resumed discussions involving multi-billion-pound financial dealings and introductions to younger women. Further images from the files show the former Duke of York leaning over a young woman whose face has been redacted, with his hand placed on her stomach.
The release of the files is part of a continuing process of DOJ disclosures related to Epstein, and further material is expected to be made public in the period ahead.
