NEWSAR
Multi-perspective news intelligence

UK’s Andrew and Peter Mandelson pictured in bathrobes with Jeffrey Epstein

13 articles
5 sources
0% diversity
Updated 13.3.2026
Key Topics & People
Peter Mandelson *Jeffrey Epstein Keir Starmer Foreign Office Downing Street

Coverage Framing

13
Political Strategy(13)
Avg Factuality:76%
Avg Sensationalism:Moderate

Story Timeline

Mar 13 Evening

2 articles|2 sources
jeffrey epsteinpeter mandelsonprince andrewandrew mountbatten-windsorsex offender
Political Strategy(2)
South China Morning PostMar 13

UK’s Andrew and Peter Mandelson pictured in bathrobes with Jeffrey Epstein

A recently unearthed photograph shows Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson in bathrobes with Jeffrey Epstein. The undated image, believed to be the first of the two men with Epstein, was included in millions of documents released by the US Justice Department. Reported by ITV News, the photograph depicts Andrew and Mandelson sitting barefoot on a wooden deck, with Epstein also present. The picture is believed to have been taken on Martha's Vineyard between 1999 and 2000, prior to Epstein's imprisonment. The release of the photograph occurs amidst ongoing scrutiny in the UK regarding both Andrew and Mandelson's ties to Epstein.

Mixed toneFactual1 source
Negative
The Guardian - World NewsMar 13

Andrew and Peter Mandelson pictured in bathrobes with Jeffrey Epstein

A newly released photograph shows Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson together with Jeffrey Epstein, believed to have been taken on Martha's Vineyard. The photo is part of millions of Epstein-related files released by the US Department of Justice. Mandelson previously referred to Epstein as "my best pal" in Epstein's 50th birthday book from 2003. Both Mandelson and Mountbatten-Windsor appear multiple times in the Epstein files. Both men have faced scrutiny over their relationships with Epstein, who was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor. Both Mandelson and Mountbatten-Windsor were arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations they shared confidential material with Epstein. Both men deny any wrongdoing.

Mixed toneFactual
Negative

Key Claims

factual

A photograph of Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson with Jeffrey Epstein was unearthed.

— Article itself

factual

The picture was included as part of millions of documents released by the US Justice Department.

— Article itself

factual

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson have been pictured in bathrobes alongside Jeffrey Epstein.

factual

A similar photograph of Mandelson appeared in Epstein’s 50th birthday book from 2003.

quote

Mandelson called Epstein “my best pal” in Epstein's 50th birthday book.

— Mandelson

Mar 12 Evening

2 articles|2 sources
keir starmerpeter mandelsoncover-upjeffrey epsteindowning street
Political Strategy(2)
South China Morning PostMar 12

UK PM Starmer admits his ‘mistake’ in appointing Mandelson as US ambassador

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has admitted to a "mistake" in appointing Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US. This follows the release of government documents revealing concerns about Mandelson's "general reputational risk" due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer is facing scrutiny over his judgment and potential procedural lapses, as his own comments were absent from the released documents. He apologized to Epstein's victims, acknowledging his responsibility in the appointment. Downing Street has denied allegations of a "cover-up" related to the release of information. Further details remain undisclosed due to an ongoing Metropolitan Police investigation.

MeasuredFactual1 source
Negative
The Guardian - World NewsMar 12

No 10 rejects claims it covered up Starmer’s role in Mandelson appointment

Downing Street denies accusations of a cover-up regarding Keir Starmer's role in appointing Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington. This follows the release of documents detailing the appointment process, which lack formal input from Starmer. The documents included risk assessments of Mandelson, specifically mentioning his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. While protocol dictates the Prime Minister's comments should be recorded, these sections were left blank, leading to accusations of redaction by Conservatives, which No. 10 denies. Starmer has reiterated his regret over the appointment, which ended after nine months due to Mandelson's Epstein links. The government insists normal procedures were followed, despite comments from Starmer's national security advisor suggesting the appointment felt rushed.

MeasuredFactual5 sources
Neutral

Key Claims

factual

Keir Starmer admitted his ‘mistake’ in appointing Mandelson as US ambassador.

— Article title/Keir Starmer

factual

Downing Street denied there was a “cover-up” in the release of files related to the appointment.

— Downing Street

quote

The release of the information shows what was known.

— Keir Starmer

quote

Because of the Metropolitan Police investigation, we can’t release that information yet.

— Keir Starmer

factual

Downing Street rejected accusations it covered up Keir Starmer’s role in appointing Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador.

— Downing Street

Mar 12 Morning

1 articles|1 sources
peter mandelsonreputational risksjeffrey epsteinappointmentleaking government documents
Political Strategy(1)
Al JazeeraMar 12

New files show British PM warned of ‘reputational risks’ with Mandelson

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was warned of "reputational risks" associated with appointing Peter Mandelson as US envoy due to his close ties to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. More than 100 pages of documents covering Mandelson's appointment process were recently released by the British government. The documents show that Mandelson shared secret government trade plans with Epstein, including during the 2008 financial crash. A document from December 2024 stated that Mandelson stayed in Epstein's house while he was in jail in June 2009. The appointment was described as "weirdly rushed" by National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell. Despite these concerns, Starmer chose to appoint Mandelson for the role anyway.

Mixed toneFactual3 sources
Negative

Key Claims

factual

PM Keir Starmer was warned of “reputational risks” if he appointed Peter Mandelson as British ambassador to the United States.

— Article itself, based on released documents

factual

Mandelson is under police investigation for allegedly leaking government documents to Epstein.

— Article itself

quote

Powell thought that the appointment of Mandelson was “weirdly rushed”.

— National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell

factual

Files released by the US DOJ suggested Mandelson shared secret documents containing the government’s trade plans to Epstein.

— Article itself, referencing US DOJ files

factual

Mandelson reportedly stayed in Epstein’s house while he was in jail in June 2009.

— Document titled “Advice to the prime minister, checks conducted on 4 December, 2024″

Mar 11 Evening

6 articles|3 sources
peter mandelsonkeir starmerjeffrey epsteinreputational riskrelationship with epstein
Political Strategy(6)
South China Morning PostMar 11

UK PM Starmer was warned of ‘reputational risk’ in appointing Mandelson

Documents released by the British government show that officials warned Prime Minister Keir Starmer of a "reputational risk" associated with appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador due to his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The concerns were raised in December 2024, before Mandelson's appointment at the start of Donald Trump's second term. Authorities have disclosed over 100 pages of documents related to Mandelson's ties to Epstein and other reputational issues, including financial matters and work at a lobbying firm he co-founded. Mandelson had previously misled officials about the extent of his relationship with Epstein. The decision to appoint Mandelson has sparked a political storm, with Starmer facing criticism over his choice for the key diplomatic post. The documents will be published on the government website.

Mixed toneFactual
Negative
The Guardian - World NewsMar 11

Starmer overruled warning of ‘reputational risk’ over Mandelson appointment, files show

Newly released files reveal that Keir Starmer overruled concerns about appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador due to his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Despite warnings from officials about the "reputational risk" and Mandelson's continued contact with Epstein after his conviction, Starmer proceeded with the appointment. The documents show that senior security and foreign policy officials also raised concerns, and Mandelson received a classified briefing before the vetting process was complete. Starmer's aides stated they were "satisfied" with Mandelson's explanation of their friendship, although Starmer later claimed Mandelson misled his team. Mandelson was ultimately removed from the position in September 2023 following further revelations about his association with Epstein. The documents also detail Mandelson's request for a substantial severance payment.

Mixed toneFactual4 sources
Negative
New York Times - WorldMar 11

Live Updates: Starmer Was Warned About Risk of Appointing Friend of Epstein As Ambassador

British officials reportedly warned Prime Minister Keir Starmer about Peter Mandelson's connections to Jeffrey Epstein prior to Mandelson's potential appointment as U.S. ambassador. The warning highlighted the risk associated with Mandelson's close ties to Epstein. The information was conveyed to Starmer before any official decision was made regarding the ambassadorship. The news focuses on the potential controversy surrounding the appointment given Epstein's history. The location of the events is primarily within the United Kingdom, concerning the British government's internal discussions.

MeasuredFactual
Negative

Key Claims

factual

Starmer overruled officials who warned of a “reputational risk” in making Peter Mandelson US ambassador.

— null

factual

Mandelson was offered a highly classified briefing from the Foreign Office even before he finished the formal vetting process.

— null

quote

Powell told an investigation that he thought the appointment was “weirdly rushed”.

— Powell

factual

Starmer was warned before appointing Mandelson that he remained in contact and stayed with Epstein after the financier was first convicted.

— null

factual

Mandelson was offered a severance payment of £75,000 after initially asking the Foreign Office to pay him more than £500,000

— null

Mar 11 Morning

1 articles|1 sources
jeffrey epsteinpeter mandelsonukambassador postmisconduct probe
Political Strategy(1)
Associated Press (AP)Mar 11

UK will publish files about the appointment of Epstein friend Mandelson to ambassador post

The UK government will release files regarding Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the U.S. amid a police misconduct probe. Mandelson, a former UK ambassador, was arrested due to his ties with Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers compelled Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government to disclose the files, which pertain to the decision to appoint Mandelson to the diplomatic post during Donald Trump's second term as president. The government claims the files will reveal that Mandelson misled officials about the extent of his relationship with Epstein. The release is scheduled for Wednesday.

Mixed toneFactual1 source
Negative

Key Claims

factual

UK will publish files about the appointment of Epstein friend Mandelson to ambassador post.

— Article Headline

factual

British police arrested Peter Mandelson in a misconduct probe stemming from his ties with Jeffrey Epstein.

— Article Body

factual

Lawmakers have forced Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government to disclose files about Mandelson's appointment.

— Article Body

factual

Mandelson was arrested Feb. 23 at his London home on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

— Article Body

factual

The government has said the files will show that Mandelson misled officials about the extent of the relationship.

— Government

Mar 10 Evening

1 articles|1 sources
peter mandelsonambassador appointmentdocument releasejeffrey epsteinreputational risk
Political Strategy(1)
The Guardian - World NewsMar 10

No 10 to release hundreds of files relating to Mandelson being made ambassador

Downing Street is releasing hundreds of files related to Peter Mandelson's potential appointment as US ambassador in December 2024. The initial release includes a Cabinet Office due diligence report that reportedly warned Keir Starmer about the "reputational risk" due to Mandelson's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The documents are expected to contain publicly available information, including newspaper reports detailing the extent of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein, and correspondence between government officials. The release follows a parliamentary order for the government to disclose the vetting process after Mandelson's arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office for allegedly leaking confidential information to Epstein. Mandelson, who resigned from the Labour party and House of Lords after the US Epstein files were released, denies wrongdoing and remains under investigation.

Mixed toneFactual3 sources
Negative

Key Claims

factual

Hundreds of documents relating to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US are expected to be released by Downing Street on Wednesday.

— Downing Street

factual

Mandelson, 72, resigned from the Labour party and the House of Lords in February after the release of the Epstein files in the US.

— null

factual

He was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.

— null

factual

The first tranche of files will include a two-page due diligence report by the Cabinet Office.

— the Guardian

quote

Sources said it had warned Starmer of the serious “reputational risk” of going ahead with Mandelson’s appointment.

— Sources