London – A series of disclosures stemming from recently released legal files related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein are intensifying scrutiny of prominent figures in British politics and royalty. Investigations are now underway involving both a former government minister and raising questions about the conduct of members of the Norwegian royal family.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly expressed his dismay at the revelations, with his spokesperson stating on that the alleged passing of sensitive government information to Epstein was “disgraceful.” The Prime Minister is not reassured that all relevant information has yet come to light, according to reports.
The Metropolitan Police in London announced late on the launch of a criminal investigation into a 72-year-old man, a former government minister, for alleged misconduct in public office. While the individual was not named in the official statement, the investigation centers on Peter Mandelson, a key figure in the Labour Party and previously a close advisor to former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
Mandelson had already resigned as the UK’s ambassador to the United States in September following initial revelations about his friendship with Epstein. He subsequently stepped down from the governing Labour Party after the latest release of files suggested he lobbied his own government on Epstein’s behalf while simultaneously alerting him to upcoming key decisions. Emails released show Mandelson attempting to amend a planned tax on bankers’ bonuses in December 2009, writing to Epstein, “Trying hard to amend.” He also forwarded an internal economics briefing about potential government asset sales to Epstein, adding, “Interesting note that’s gone to the PM.”
Further disclosures reveal that in 2010, while serving as Business Secretary, Mandelson informed Epstein in advance of Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s impending resignation following his party’s loss in the general election, stating, “finally got him to go today…”
The revelations have prompted a response from Mandelson himself. In an interview with The Times published on , he described the emails as “a handful of misguided historical emails, which I deeply regret sending,” and likened Epstein to “muck that you can’t get off your shoe.” He also stated that allegations of financial payments made to him 20 years ago were false and require investigation.
The fallout extends beyond the UK. In Norway, Crown Princess Mette-Marit has issued an apology after emails surfaced indicating a closer personal relationship with Epstein than previously acknowledged. Correspondence from 2011 to 2013, addressed to “H.K.H. Kronprinsessen” – Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess – reveals a degree of familiarity, with one email from 2012 referring to Epstein as a “sweetheart” and another expressing a desire to see him again.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit acknowledged “bad judgment” and expressed regret for her “poor judgement,” adding that she had “deep sympathy and solidarity with the victims of the abuse committed by Jeffrey Epstein.”
The Norwegian Royal House has not yet responded to further requests for comment. The situation is particularly sensitive given the concurrent start of a sex assault trial in Norway involving Marius Borg Høiby, the crown princess’ son, who has pleaded not guilty to 38 charges, including four counts of rape. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre publicly rebuked the Crown Princess’ actions on , stating she “showed bad judgment.”
The newly released files also indicate that Epstein made three payments totaling $75,000 to accounts linked to Mandelson or his partner in 2003 and 2004. Dan Neidle, a tax lawyer, highlighted the significance of these disclosures, stating that Mandelson was “leaking information on the British and U.S. Governments’ responses to the financial crisis to Epstein,” a matter he described as “incredibly serious.”
Mandelson’s rise to prominence began in the 1990s as a central figure in the “New Labour” movement under Tony Blair. His recent appointment as Starmer’s ambassador to Washington was cut short by earlier revelations regarding his relationship with Epstein, where he reportedly referred to the financier as “my best pal” in a 2003 birthday book.
The release of these documents, encompassing millions of pages, continues to reverberate through political and social circles, raising questions about the extent of Epstein’s influence and the conduct of those who associated with him. The investigations in both the UK and Norway are ongoing, and further revelations are anticipated as authorities continue to analyze the released materials.
