Never before seen picture of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Peter Mandelson wearing bathrobes with Jeffrey Epstein uncovered in files

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 and is thought to have been taken around 1999-2000.

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 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’. 

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.

The files show how national security adviser Jonathan Powell flagged ‘concerns’ about Mandelson and his ‘reputation’ with Mr McSweeney at the time of Mandelson’s appointment and was told they had been ‘addressed’.

Mr Powell described the appointment process as ‘weirdly rushed’. 

They also revealed that he was handed a £75,000 ‘special severance package’ after being removed as the Labour government’s US ambassador. He had initially asked for £547,000.

And emails released as part of the DOJ disclosures have revealed how the former politician urged Epstein to ‘fight for early release’ after being jailed, 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, who is thought to have first been introduced to Epstein at Martha’s Vineyard, 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, the eighth-in-line to the throne 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.

It is believed that King Charles III discussed removing his younger brother from the line of succession at a meeting with Commonwealth leaders this week. 

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. 

Mandelson is understood to deny any criminality or suggestions he acted for financial gain. His lawyer said after his arrest that his ‘overriding priority is to cooperate with the police investigation, as he has done throughout this process, and to clear his name.’