London: A prince, an ambassador, senior diplomats and top politicians across Europe have been implicated in the latest Jeffrey Epstein files, released by the U.S. Department of Justice. The documents have shaken political, economic and social elites, sparking resignations, investigations and public outrage.

Former U.K. Ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson was dismissed and could face prison. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under pressure over Mandelson’s appointment. Figures in Norway, Sweden and Slovakia have also fallen. Even before the latest disclosures, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of King Charles III, lost his honours, princely title and taxpayer-funded mansion.

None, aside from Prince Andrew, faces sexual misconduct allegations. Most were removed for maintaining friendly ties with Epstein after his conviction as a sex offender.

“Epstein collected powerful people the way others collect frequent flyer points,” said Mark Stephens, a specialist in international and human rights law at Howard Kennedy in London. “But the receipts are now in public, and some might wish they’d traveled less.”

European figures face career-ending consequences

In Britain, former Prince Andrew paid millions to settle a lawsuit with one of Epstein’s victims and faces pressure to testify in the U.S. His ex-wife Sarah Ferguson’s charity closed this week. Veteran politician Mandelson had called Epstein “my pest pal” in 2003. Documents now reveal contact continued long after Epstein’s 2008 prison term for sexual offences involving a minor. A July 2009 message referred to Epstein’s release as “liberation day.”

Starmer dismissed Mandelson in September and British police are now investigating whether he passed sensitive government information to Epstein. Starmer has apologised to Epstein’s victims and promised to release documents showing Mandelson lied during his ambassadorial vetting. Furious lawmakers are considering moves to remove the prime minister over perceived poor judgment.

Rob Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester, said:

“If you’re in those files, it’s immediately a big story. It suggests we have a more functional media… there is still a degree of shame in politics, in terms of people will say: ‘This is just not acceptable, this is just not done.’”

Scandinavian and Central European fallout

In Sweden, U.N. official Joanna Rubinstein resigned after reports of a 2012 visit to Epstein’s Caribbean island. In Slovakia, national security adviser Miroslav Lajcak stepped down over emails discussing “gorgeous” girls. Latvia, Lithuania and Poland have launched investigations. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk vowed to examine potential Polish victims and links between Epstein and Russian intelligence.

Norway has seen particularly intense scrutiny. Former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland is under investigation by the economic crimes unit over Epstein ties. The diplomat couple Terje Rød-Larsen and Mona Juul, involved in 1990s Israel-Palestinian peace talks, have faced sanctions, including Juul’s suspension as ambassador to Jordan. Epstein had left the couple’s children $10 million in a will shortly before his 2019 suicide.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, wife of heir Prince Haakon, apologised for her friendship with Epstein. Emails revealed casual exchanges and planned visits to Epstein properties, shopping trips, and even teeth-whitening appointments. The disclosures coincided with her son Marius Borg Høiby standing trial in Oslo on rape charges, which he denies.

U.S. repercussions remain limited

By contrast, the U.S. has yet to experience similar upheaval. Some individuals have faced consequences, including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, who took leave from Harvard University, and Brad Karp, who resigned as chair of law firm Paul Weiss. The NFL announced an investigation into New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch.

Others, including Steve Bannon, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Elon Musk, remain largely untouched, despite communications with Epstein. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump have testified or faced questions, though neither has been accused of wrongdoing by Epstein’s victims.

Epstein’s European network 

The documents reveal Epstein’s expansive network of royals, politicians, billionaires, bankers and academics. He engaged with European politics, discussing Britain’s 2016 Brexit vote with billionaire Peter Thiel as “just the beginning” of a return to “tribalism.”

“The files uncover Epstein’s far-reaching network in Europe… the level of access among not just those who were already in power, but those who were getting there,” said Grégoire Roos, director of the Europe programme at Chatham House.

Alex Thomas of the Institute for Government noted Britain’s parliamentary system drives accountability, requiring the prime minister to retain confidence in Parliament, contrasting with U.S. experiences despite its stronger declassification record.