A photograph of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Jeffrey Epstein and Peter Mandelson together has emerged for the first time in Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice.
The picture, which shows the disgraced ex-prince and former US ambassador in bathrobes, while Epstein is fully clothed, is believed to have been taken outside at Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts.
It is the first known image of the three men together.
The trio are sat around a wooden table with mugs decorated with the US flag.
Like all the photos in the Epstein files, no date or context for the picture is given.
The image is very similar to a second photograph of Mandelson and Epstein which was included in the convicted paedophile’s ‘birthday book’, which was released last year.
In the book, Mandelson is said to have written a letter to Epstein and called him his ‘best pal’.
The picture, which shows the disgraced ex-prince and former US ambassador in bathrobes, while Epstein is fully clothed, is believed to have been taken outside at Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts
The image is very similar to a second photograph of Mandelson and Epstein which was included in the convicted paedophile’s ‘birthday book’, which was released last year
It is thought to have been taken in around 1999-2000.
Epstein was convicted of child sex offences in 2008. He was sentenced to 18 months in jail in July 2009, but he was released under house arrest at his Palm Beach mansion for a year.
Both Andrew and Mandelson have faced increasing scrutiny over their friendships with Epstein.
New files released by the UK government detailing Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador by Sir Keir showed how vetting procedures highlighted both men’s ‘particularly close’ relationships with the financier post-conviction.
The Prime Minister has insisted Mandelson ‘lied repeatedly’ to No 10 about his relationship with the paedophile, before and during his time in the job.
But the dossier reveals that Sir Keir was explicitly warned that Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein posed a ‘general reputational risk’ and that the PM could ‘personally’ get the blame.
In total the words ‘reputational risk’ were used four times to refer to his relationship with Epstein, his past resignations from the Government, and lobbying by his firm Global Counsel.
And emails released as part of the DOJ disclosures have revealed how the former politician urged Epstein to ‘fight for early release’, adding: ‘Your friends stay with you and love you.’
Mandelson is also known to have stayed at Epstein’s Manhattan property while he was serving a prison sentence for soliciting a minor.
Financial documents appear to show Epstein sent Mandelson $75,000, and paid £10,000 for a course in osteopathy for his husband Reinaldo Avila da Silva.
Mandelson previously said he has no record or recollection of receiving the sum.
Meanwhile emails show how Andrew invited Epstein to visit Buckingham Palace days after the end of his custodial sentence.
He described Epstein’s freedom as ‘really, really good news’ and discussed multi-billion-pound deals and meeting younger women with the paedophile financier’s assistance just hours after his release from house arrest.
Embarrassing images from the files see the former Duke of York leaning over a young woman, whose face is redacted to protect her identity, and placing his hand on her stomach.
Last month, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he provided Epstein with sensitive information during his time as a UK trade envoy.
He has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to his friendship with Epstein.
Shortly afterwards, Mandelson was also arrested on suspicion of the same offence, having been accused of passing sensitive information on to Epstein during his time as business secretary.
He was subsequently bailed, but later released from his bail conditions, although he remains under investigation.
