warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised. This story contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some readers discretion advised .
ITV News has uncovered a photograph showing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson alongside convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
It is the first known image of the three men together.
Released as part of the the Epstein files, it is understood to have been taken between 1999 and 2000 – before the financier was imprisoned for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Following the release of the files, Peter Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, before being released on bail.
He said, via lawyers, that he looks forward to clearing his name. Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, who was arrested for the same offence, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
This photo uncovered by ITV News show something we’ve never seen before.
Jeffrey Epstein ,Peter Mandelsson and Andrew Mountbatten Windsor together .
Until now ,we didn’t know that the three had ever met a group , let alone apparently so comfortable with each other.
Mandelson and and Mountbatten Windsor in bathtrobes, american flag mugs on the table.
We knew that both had separate parallel friendship with the convicted pedophile.
Here , Andrew with Virginia Giuffre a year or two later.
She claimed she was trafficked to the UK by Epstein and assaulted by Andrew , which he denies.
Photos and emails within the Epstein files appear to show the former business secretary Mandelson maintained a friendship with Epstein until 2018.
This vry similar picture , perhaps taken on the same day, was included in a book put together for Epstein’s 50th birthday.
A note apparently written by Mandelson;
Calls Epstein “my best pal .”
We understand that this photo was taken around the year 2000.
So before Epstein was arrested for child sex abuse.
The photo was taken at a house in Martha’s vineyard , an umpmarket holiday destination in the US.
Until now ,there was no evidence to show that the three potentially had a social relationship,something that could be significant.
In recent weeks , Mandelson has been accused of pushing for Andrew to be appointed as trade envoy at a similar time to when the photo was taken.
And the allegations get more serious.
Andrew is under police investigation for allegedly sharing confidential trade envoy reports with Epstein.
He’s previously denied any wrongdowing.
Considering their roles in British public life, Andrew and Mandelson knew each other.
And emails to Epstein, Mandelson mentioned the former Prince, in one chain ,he said he was at Center Court Wimbledon,but not in royal box like Andrew.
But now we have what appears to be a missing piece in the puzzle -a photo which shows not only did they have individual friendships, but that at the very least on one occasion, Andrew , Mandelson and Epstein were together as a three in person .