Newly Uncovered Photo Shows Andrew and Mandelson with Epstein in Bathrobes
A newly unearthed photograph has revealed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson pictured in bathrobes alongside Jeffrey Epstein, marking the first known image of the trio together. The photo, believed to have been taken on Martha’s Vineyard, an island off Cape Cod in Massachusetts favored by the wealthy, shows them relaxing outside at a wooden table with mugs decorated with the American flag.
Photo Part of Epstein Files Released by US Justice Department
The image was uncovered by ITV News and is part of the millions of Epstein-related files released by the US Department of Justice earlier this year. No specific date or location was provided for the picture, but a similar photograph of Mandelson appeared in Epstein’s 50th birthday book from 2003, where Mandelson referred to Epstein as "my best pal".
In a handwritten note in that book, Mandelson described Epstein as an "intelligent sharp-witted man". The book was provided to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform last year, the main investigating committee in the US House of Representatives.
Multiple Appearances in Epstein Files and Public Fallout
Mandelson and Mountbatten-Windsor feature multiple times in the Epstein files, including images of Mountbatten-Windsor bent over an unidentified female and lying across the laps of women, as well as photos of Mandelson in his underwear and receiving a foot massage. It is important to note that there is no suggestion that appearing in these documents implies any wrongdoing.
Both figures have faced significant public fallout over their relationships with Epstein, who was jailed in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor and killed himself in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.
Legal and Political Consequences for Andrew and Mandelson
Mountbatten-Windsor, the former duke of York, was stripped of his titles and given notice to vacate his 30-room home in Windsor, which he occupied on a peppercorn rent. He was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he shared confidential material with Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy. Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any wrongdoing.
Mandelson was sacked as the UK’s ambassador to Washington last September and resigned from the House of Lords in February due to his ties to Epstein. He was also arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office over claims he allegedly leaked sensitive government information to Epstein while serving as business secretary in Gordon Brown’s cabinet. Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing, and his lawyers stated last week that he would cooperate with the police investigation. Both men have since been released under investigation.
Scrutiny Over Keir Starmer’s Appointment Decision
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced scrutiny over his decision to appoint Mandelson as the UK ambassador to Washington. On Thursday, Starmer apologized again for his handling of the appointment, saying, "It was me that made a mistake, and it’s me that makes the apology to the victims of [Jeffrey] Epstein, and I do that." This came a day after 147 pages of documents relating to Mandelson were released by the UK government.
On Friday night, Laurie Magnus, the prime minister’s independent adviser on ethics, stated there were no grounds to investigate whether Starmer had breached the ministerial code. The Tories had questioned the absence of input from Starmer in published documents about Mandelson’s appointment and wrote to Magnus requesting an investigation. In his published reply, Magnus said, "I consider that the documentation that has been made public indicates that the relevant process for a political appointee was followed."
