US lawmakers released a “birthday book” revealing Lord Mandelson called Jeffrey Epstein his “best pal.” The documents also mention Trump, Prince Andrew, and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Lord Mandelson’s Letter to Jeffrey Epstein
Lord Mandelson called the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein his “best pal”, according to a letter in an alleged “birthday book” that has been released by US lawmakers.
In the message for Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003, Lord Mandelson – UK ambassador to the US since last year – describes him as an “intelligent, sharp-witted man,” who “parachuted” into his life.
Background on the Birthday Book
The existence of the letter from Lord Mandelson was first reported by the Wall Street Journal in July. The newspaper published details of the alleged birthday note.
An official spokesperson for Lord Mandelson told the BBC:
“Lord Mandelson has long been clear that he very much regrets ever having been introduced to Epstein.”
After the House Oversight Committee subpoenaed the documents last month, Democrats in Congress made copies of the so-called “birthday book” available.
Trump Memo and White House Response
A memo purportedly written by US President Donald Trump that features a drawing of a woman’s body is also included in the documents.
The White House claimed on Monday that the president “did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it,” rejecting its authenticity.
Ghislaine Maxwell and Epstein’s Network
The “birthday book” was compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s ex-girlfriend and British socialite, who was convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking.
It is dated three years before Epstein’s sex abuse allegations became public in 2006.
When approached by the BBC, Lord Mandelson’s spokesperson said his connection to Epstein “has been a matter of public record for some time.”
He had previously told the Financial Times:
“I regret ever meeting him or being introduced to him by his partner Ghislaine Maxwell.”
Links to Prince Andrew and JP Morgan Report
In a 2023 New York court filing, an internal JP Morgan Bank report stated that Epstein maintained a “particularly close relationship with Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, and Lord Peter Mandelson, a senior member of the British government.”
Mandelson’s Words to Epstein
Former Labour cabinet minister Lord Mandelson wrote in the “birthday book” letter:
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He would “spend many hours just waiting for him to turn up.”
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Often Epstein would suddenly leave, “leaving you with some ‘interesting’ friends to entertain instead.”
The letter includes a picture of Mandelson with two women whose faces are hidden.
He added:
“But wherever he is in the world, he remains my best pal!”
After a picture of Mandelson sitting with Epstein, he concluded:
“Happy Birthday, Jeffrey. We love you!”
Additional Documents Released
Lawmakers also released more documents, including Epstein’s will and personal address book.
Following the Wall Street Journal‘s initial report, Trump sued the newspaper’s reporters, publisher, and executives – including Rupert Murdoch – seeking $10 billion (£7.4 billion) in damages.
Epstein’s Criminal Past
Epstein was first indicted in Florida in 2006 on a state felony charge of soliciting prostitution.
In 2019, while awaiting trial, he was found dead in prison.
