Lord Mandelson appeared to give advice in an email exchange with Jeffrey Epstein that referenced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor during a period of intense media scrutiny in March 2011, according to material published by the US Department of Justice as part of its release of 3.5 million responsive pages on January 30.
In his reply to Epstein, Lord Mandelson referenced a Sky report that “A and HMQ met to discuss JE”.
The disgraced former duke had been photographed alongside the late financier in New York’s Central Park on December 5, 2010.
This meeting took place shortly after Epstein had completed a 13-month jail sentence for soliciting sex from a minor.
Lord Mandelson said Andrew should 'sit tight' after 'meeting Queen to discuss Epstein'
|GETTY
Epstein subsequently contacted Lord Mandelson by email seeking “suggestions” with no further context.
In response, the Labour peer wrote: “On Sky it was reported that A and HMQ met to discuss JE.
"Try and talk later. A has to sit tight.”
The exchange suggests Mandelson gave advice on one occasion to Epstein on how Andrew should handle the mounting pressure.
Peter Mandelson quit the Labour Party on Sunday | GETTYLord Mandelson has previously said he regretted ever meeting Epstein and felt deep sympathy for the victims, and he described Epstein as a “charismatic criminal liar.”
In his letter to Labour's general secretary Hollie Ridley, Lord Mandelson said: “I have been further linked this weekend to the understandable furore surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and I feel regretful and sorry about this.
“Allegations which I believe to be false that he made financial payments to me 20 years ago, and of which I have no record or recollection, need investigating by me. While doing this I do not wish to cause further embarrassment to the Labour Party and I am therefore stepping down from membership of the party.”
Meanwhile, Thames Valley Police said it is assessing information relating to an allegation that Epstein arranged for a woman to visit Andrew at Royal Lodge for sexual purposes.
Andrew was stripped of his royal titles last year over his ties to Epstein
| GETTYThroughout, Andrew has consistently and strenuously maintained he was not involved in any wrongdoing during his association with the late financier.
These developments add to the pressure already facing the former Duke of York, who has repeatedly denied any improper conduct connected to his relationship with Epstein.
GB News confirmed on Tuesday evening that Andrew departed Royal Lodge to begin his exile.
He has relocated to temporary accommodation on the Sandringham Estate while renovation work continues at his permanent residence, believed to be Marsh Farm in Wolferton, Norfolk.
Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking cases | REUTERSBuckingham Palace had previously announced the former duke would vacate the property "as soon as possible and practicable" following the removal of his royal titles last year.
King Charles reportedly grew increasingly troubled by his brother's alleged connections to Epstein.
Andrew moved into Royal Lodge back in 2003, with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, joining him at the property in 2008.
It is not currently known where Ms Ferguson will now be residing, though the Palace confirmed she would be seeking her own arrangements.