In a dramatic radio confrontation, former Labour heavyweight Lord Mandelson has vehemently denied allegations made by Prince Andrew that he facilitated the Duke's fateful introduction to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The extraordinary clash has sent shockwaves through Westminster and Buckingham Palace circles.
The controversy erupted during Mandelson's appearance on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, where presenter Mishal Hussein confronted him with the Duke of York's longstanding claim. Without hesitation, Mandelson delivered a blistering rebuttal, labelling the allegation as "complete nonsense" and "categorically untrue".
The Fatal Introduction
At the heart of the dispute lies the origins of Prince Andrew's relationship with Epstein, the financier who died in prison while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The Duke has previously suggested that Mandelson, during his tenure as Tony Blair's minister, orchestrated the initial meeting.
Mandelson offered a starkly different version of events, asserting he had "nothing to do with introducing Epstein to the prince". Instead, he pointed towards Epstein's former partner and accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, as the likely conduit. "I think it was through Ghislaine Maxwell," he stated, reminding listeners of her established friendship with the royal.
A Relationship Under Scrutiny
The interview peeled back layers on Mandelson's own acknowledged association with the disgraced financier. He admitted to meeting Epstein "half a dozen times" between 2005 and 2008, primarily in social contexts. He described being initially impressed by Epstein's apparent philanthropy and intelligence, a facade that later crumbled.
"He was clearly very clever, he had a lot of money, he seemed to be deploying it in a philanthropic way," Mandelson recalled, before adding the crucial caveat: "Of course, all of that was a mask and a deception."
Buckingham Palace's Lingering Nightmare
This public denunciation from a senior political figure represents another public relations challenge for the monarchy. Prince Andrew's association with Epstein has proven to be one of the most damaging scandals to hit the Royal Family in recent decades, ultimately leading to his withdrawal from public duties.
Mandelson's forceful denial not only contradicts the prince's narrative but also refocuses attention on a chapter the palace desperately wishes to close. With Epstein's crimes and the subsequent fallout continuing to make headlines, this latest exchange ensures the story remains firmly in the public eye.
