Epstein questions come at worst possible moment for Lord Mandelson

The resurfacing of an affectionate greeting to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, alleged to have come from Lord Mandelson, raises huge questions.

It couldn't have come at a worse moment - days before Donald Trump's state visit to the UK, in which Mandelson, the UK's ambassador to Washington, will play a significant role. While he focuses on crafting Anglo-American collaboration on technology, his judgment is under scrutiny on both sides of the Atlantic.

Newly released files, which had been demanded by the House of Representatives Oversight Committee on Capitol Hill, appear to contain notes he sent to Jeffrey Epstein. Follow updates: White House denies Trump behind birthday note One reads: "…wherever he is in the world, he remains my best pal!" "Happy birthday, Jeffrey we love you!!" it concludes.

Mandelson's connection to the billionaire, who died by suicide in prison while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, is well documented. A 2019 JP Morgan internal report flagged a notably close relationship between the two.

But his alleged use of the words "best pal" suggests a closer and warmer relationship than had been previously acknowledged. Questioned about it in 2025, the UK's ambassador to the US expressed "deep regret" over knowing Epstein but dismissed the issue as a media "obsession".

Peter Mandelson, once dubbed "the Prince of Darkness" within Westminster, is a veteran politician who served in cabinet under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. His appointment as UK Ambassador to the United States in February 2025 surprised many people.

Read more:What is in Epstein's 'birthday book'? It is unusual for someone considered a political heavyweight to find themselves in what is traditionally a diplomatic role. Asked about the alleged birthday greeting, the prime minister's official spokesperson said Sir Keir Starmer had "full confidence" in the UK's ambassador to the US.

The one thing sparing him any difficult questions from the White House is the fact that Mr Trump faces just as many himself over Epstein..