By Arion McNicoll
Copyright theweek
SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
Less than $3 per week
View Profile
The Explainer
Talking Points
The Week Recommends
Newsletters
From the Magazine
The Week Junior
Food & Drink
Personal Finance
All Categories
Newsletter sign up
Peter Mandelson called Epstein his ‘best pal’ in birthday note
The UK’s ambassador to Washington described the late convicted paedophile as an ‘intelligent, sharp-witted man’
Newsletter sign up
A picture of Peter Mandelson (left) and Jeffrey Epstein published by the US House Oversight Committee
(Image credit: US House Oversight Committee)
Arion McNicoll, The Week UK
10 September 2025
A letter written by Peter Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein for the financier’s 50th birthday has been released by US lawmakers.
In it the UK’s ambassador to Washington describes the late convicted paedophile as his “best pal”. The note was contained in a “birthday book” compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003 that features photographs, captions and tributes from Epstein’s inner circle.
Mandelson’s entries spanned 10 pages, including a message calling Epstein an “intelligent, sharp-witted man” who had “parachuted” into his life.
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
Sign up for The Week’s Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The tributes in the book “cast a sordid shadow over his circle of friends”, said Rob Crilly in The Telegraph. “Their innuendo-laden messages, photos and drawings raise awkward questions about who knew what, and when.”
Victims of Epstein said yesterday that Mandelson must be sacked after the publication of his message to the convicted paedophile.
Mandelson has reiterated previous comments expressing his regret over the relationship. That may be, said Mark Stone on Sky News, but there remains a huge disconnect between his assertion that “my knowledge of him is something that I regret” and this new revelation that Epstein was his “best pal”.
Sign up for Today’s Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
Arion McNicoll, The Week UK
Social Links Navigation
Arion McNicoll is a freelance writer at The Week Digital and was previously the UK website’s editor. He has also held senior editorial roles at CNN, The Times and The Sunday Times. Along with his writing work, he co-hosts “Today in History with The Retrospectors”, Rethink Audio’s flagship daily podcast, and is a regular panellist (and occasional stand-in host) on “The Week Unwrapped”. He is also a judge for The Publisher Podcast Awards.
A Spinal Tap reunion, Thomas Pynchon by way of Paul Thomas Anderson and a harrowing Stephen King adaptation in September movies
the week recommends
This month’s new releases include ‘Spinal Tap II,’ ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘The Long Walk’
‘Vampire energy’ could be causing your electric bill to rise
Under the Radar
Wasted energy could account for up to 10% of home use
Sudoku medium: September 10, 2025
The Week’s daily medium sudoku puzzle
You might also like
House posts lewd Epstein note attributed to Trump
The estate of Jeffrey Epstein turned over the infamous 2003 birthday note from President Donald Trump
Jeffrey Epstein’s secrets
Six years after his death, conspiracy theories still swirl around the sex trafficker. Why?
Epstein accusers urge full file release, hint at own list
A rally was organized by Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who are hoping to force a vote on their Epstein Files Transparency Act
Epstein files: Maxwell courts a pardon
A new prison transcript shows Ghislaine Maxwell praising Trump as ‘a gentleman’ while denying his involvement in the Epstein scandal
Third judge rejects DOJ’s Epstein records request
Judge Richard Berman was the third and final federal judge to reject DOJ petitions to unseal Epstein-related grand jury material
How astronaut Jim Lovell ‘inspired generations’
Instant Opinion
Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
JD Vance rises as MAGA heir apparent
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The vice president is taking an increasingly proactive role in a MAGA movement roiled by scandal and anxious about a post-Trump future
House committee subpoenas Epstein files
The House Oversight Committee has issued a subpoena to the Justice Department for its Jeffrey Epstein files with an Aug. 19 deadline
View More ▸
Contact Future’s experts
Terms and Conditions
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Advertise With Us
The Week is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.
Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street
