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Peter Mandelson, the U.K.’s ambassador to Washington, has admitted “deep regret” over his years-long friendship with Jeffrey Epstein after the release of fresh documents contained a gushing note to his former “best pal.”

He now fears more “very embarrassing” details are likely to emerge.

The latest trove of congressional files, published on Monday, include a 10-page letter Mandelson sent to the disgraced financier in 2003.

In a candid interview with The Sun’s political editor Harry Cole, in a promotional clip published Tuesday, Mandelson conceded he had carried on his relationship with Epstein “for far longer than I should have done” – years after the pedophile’s 2008 conviction for solicitation of a minor for prostitution.

Mandelson described revelations about his relationship as an “albatross around my neck.”

“I feel a tremendous sense, a profound sense of sympathy for those people, those women, who suffer as a result of his behavior and his illegal criminal activities,” Mandelson said. “And secondly, I regret very, very deeply indeed, carrying on that association with him for far longer than I should have done.”

Mandelson insisted during the interview that he never witnessed “any wrongdoing” during trips with Epstein, including on the billionaire’s private jet.

He argued he had been “conned,” saying, “Like very many people, I took at face value what he said… we realized that we had been wrong to believe in a charismatic criminal liar.”

The ambassador, who suggested

that “perhaps it is because I am a gay man” that he had not been exposed to Epstein’s alleged exploitation of women, warned that further correspondence between them is likely to emerge, calling it “very embarrassing.”

Despite mounting scrutiny, UK Education Secretary Josh MacAlister said on Tuesday that Mandelson retained the “full support” of Starmer.

The stack of files released Monday includes former President Bill Clinton’s message, written for Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003, reads: “It’s reassuring isn’t it, to have lasted as long, across all the years of learning and knowing, adventures and [illegible word], and also to have your childlike curiosity, the drive to make a difference and the solace of friends.”

The cache also included a crude drawing bearing President Donald Trump’s name, an image the president has “vehemently denied” producing.

Watch above via YouTube.

Tags: Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Harry Cole, Jeffrey Epstein, Peter Mandelson, The Sun