Photo of ex-British ambassador alongside Jeffrey Epstein and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor surfaces
A photograph of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein has surfaced in what is believed to be the first known image of the three men together.
The image released by the Department of Justice (DoJ) shows the former prince and ex-British ambassador to the US wearing bathrobes, sitting alongside the convicted pedophile.
The three men are captured sitting around a wooden table on a deck, drinking out of mugs displaying the US flag.
READ MORE: Will the pumps run dry? How the war in Iran is impacting Australia's oil supply
This undated photo released by the U.S. Department of Justice, shows Jeffrey Epstein, center, sitting with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson. AP
The photo was found by ITV News, and they understand it was captured in Martha's Vineyard in Boston, Massachusetts.
It is unknown when the image was taken.
The surfacing of the photo comes as documents released on Wednesday by the British government show officials believed there was a "reputational risk" to appointing Peter Mandelson as the ambassador to the US because of his relationship with the convicted sex offender.
READ MORE: Blast rocks Tehran after Israel threatened to target area where pro-government rally was being held
Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the United States. AP Photo/Kin Cheung
Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed Mandelson to the position before firing him nine months later when new details of the relationship with Epstein emerged.
Starmer now faces a political storm over the decision.
Darren Jones, chief secretary to the prime minister, said the due diligence on Mandelson "did not expose the depth and extent" of his friendship with Epstein, and said Mandelson lied to Starmer about the friendship.
"Peter Mandelson should never have been afforded the privilege of representing this country," Jones told lawmakers in the House of Commons.
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed Mandelson to the position. AP Photo/Frank Augstein
"I reiterate for the House that the prime minister deeply regrets taking him at his word. It was a mistake to do so."
Both men deny any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, after separately being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
- Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
- Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
- Sign up to our breaking newsletter here
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
Most viewed in UK & Europe
False warnings of major attacks as emergency apps in Russia and Ukraine hacked
Molotov cocktails thrown at police after another weekend of protests across Europe
Residents evacuated from Russian-occupied Oleshky reach Ukraine after localised ceasefire
Far-right figure Tommy Robinson convicted of harassing journalists
