Mandelson's Changing Stance on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Revealed in Epstein Emails
Newly released documents have shed light on the complex relationship between former Cabinet Minister Peter Mandelson, convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and Prince Andrew, with emails showing a significant shift in Mandelson's attitude over time.
From Praise to Warning: The Email Evidence
According to the documents, Mandelson initially expressed admiration for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in his communications with Epstein. In a December 2011 email sent at 7.42pm following an encounter with the then-Prince, Mandelson wrote to Epstein: "Just met Andrew at something. He's tough, I must say. I admire him for it."
However, the tone changed dramatically within four years. By March 2015, Epstein wrote to Mandelson with a telling admission: "I guesss you were right that my association /friendhip with andrew would come to no good deed. you. / hope you are well." This message strongly suggests Mandelson had warned his friend that continued closeness to Andrew would prove toxic as scrutiny around the sex offender intensified.
Intimate Access to Epstein's World
Further email chains reveal the extent of Mandelson's access to Epstein's private life. In January 2012, Mandelson asked Epstein: "What are you doing? Where staying." Just a minute later came Epstein's reply: "We are with the king now having chocolate dessert." While it remains unclear whether Epstein was referring to Prince Philip, the exchange highlights the casual intimacy of their communication.
Victims Describe Ever-Presence
Now, multiple victims and former staff members who encountered Mandelson across Epstein's properties have come forward to describe a relationship far closer than previously understood. One victim told reporters: "For all those who think your Andrew was close to Jeffrey, Petey as we knew him makes the prince look like a passing acquaintance to him. Everywhere you went, Petey was there. If he wasn't, they were always in contact. Always."
Another victim, now a mother-of-two who was abused as a teenager, offered a chillingly similar account: "There were times were we would turn up and Mandelson was already there. It was like he lived with Jeffrey at times. He treated it like his own home. Jeffrey would always accommodate Mandelson. In fact, he would indulge him."
Regular Fixture at Epstein Properties
The accounts from victims depict Mandelson as a man prioritised by Epstein, welcomed across multiple residences including the private island, Palm Beach estate, and Manhattan mansion. Previously, Epstein's Palm Beach housekeeper Juan Alessi described how Mandelson was a "regular" fixture at the Florida home, noting that while the Labour grandee was initially close to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein eventually became the central figure in his orbit.
The revelations deepen the scandal surrounding the former Cabinet minister, with victims expressing frustration at what they see as a delayed public reckoning for Mandelson's extensive involvement in Epstein's world.
