In a chilling revelation, a 238-page “birthday book” compiled for Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003 has resurfaced, exposing his deep ties to powerful figures in politics, royalty, and media. Released by the US House Oversight Committee on Monday, September 8, 2025, the document—put together by Epstein’s then-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell—contains tributes, candid photos, and crude references to Epstein’s lewd behavior. It serves as a stark record of his influence and raises troubling questions about his associates’ access to elite spaces and their awareness of his crimes.
Unprecedented Access to Buckingham Palace
One of Epstein’s former assistants, an unnamed 22-year-old woman who previously worked as a hotel hostess, wrote in the book about her extraordinary experiences with the late financier. She claims to have visited “exotic places” around the world with Epstein, meeting celebrities like Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, and Michael Jackson. Most shockingly, she alleges she was shown the “private quarters of Buckingham Palace” and even “sat on the Queen of England’s throne.”
If true, this marks the second known instance of Epstein’s associates gaining access to Buckingham Palace. In 2020, The Telegraph reported that Maxwell herself received a private tour of the throne room in 2002, organized by Prince Andrew, a close friend of Epstein. A photo in the book shows Maxwell and actor Kevin Spacey sitting on thrones belonging to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, underscoring Epstein’s proximity to British royalty. Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to his connection with Epstein.
Tributes from Political Heavyweights
The birthday book includes gushing notes from high-profile figures, highlighting Epstein’s ability to ingratiate himself with global elites. Former US President Bill Clinton contributed a note praising Epstein’s “childlike curiosity” and “drive to make a difference.” The full message reads: “It’s reassuring isn’t it, to have lasted as long, across all the years of learning and knowing, adventures and [illegible], and also to have your childlike curiosity, the drive to make a difference and the solace of friends.” Clinton has acknowledged a past association with Epstein but stated in 2019 that he severed ties before Epstein’s arrest and was unaware of his alleged crimes.
Lord Peter Mandelson, then-British ambassador to Washington, described Epstein as his “best pal” in a 10-page tribute. Accompanied by photos, including one of Mandelson in a bathrobe alongside Epstein and another of Epstein parachuting, he called Epstein an “intelligent, sharp-witted man” who “parachuted” into his life. The letter ends: “But, wherever he is in the world, he remains my best pal! Happy Birthday, Jeffrey… We love you!!” Mandelson’s spokesman told the BBC that his connection to Epstein is public record and that he regrets ever being introduced.
Donald Trump’s Alleged Contribution Sparks Controversy
A particularly contentious entry is a poem framed within a sketch of a naked woman’s silhouette, reportedly signed by Donald Trump. It suggests the two men had “certain things in common” and ends with: “Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.” Another section includes a joke about Epstein selling Trump a “depreciated” woman for $22,500, alongside a photo of Epstein with an oversized check from Trump.
Trump has vehemently denied authoring or signing the poem, calling reports “false, malicious, and defamatory.” He is suing The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the entry in July 2025, and its owners, including Rupert Murdoch, for at least $10 billion (£7.4 billion). White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated on Monday that Trump “did not draw the picture, nor sign it,” providing signature comparisons as evidence. The controversy comes as the Trump administration grapples with internal rifts over his refusal to release additional “Epstein files.”
Disturbing References to Children and Exploitation
Among the book’s most alarming sections is one labeled “children,” disturbingly juxtaposed with graphic references and nude images. It features two letters in children’s handwriting and images of children with redacted faces. One letter includes a drawing of a family of three and the line: “Here comes the bride all dressed in white. Where is the groom? He’s in the lady’s room.” Epstein was not known to have any children, raising serious concerns about the context of these entries.
An unnamed friend’s anecdotes further expose Epstein’s predatory behavior. One story recounts “picking up girls on a beach” during a boat trip with Epstein, where the writer allegedly pulled out a knife to force them to undress. Another disturbing tale claims Epstein impersonated a rabbi’s daughter’s father over the phone, later coercing her to “take her top off so we could touch her boobs… play together with toys.” These accounts align with Epstein’s known history of 𝑠e𝑥 trafficking underage girls.
Ghislaine Maxwell’s Role in Glamorizing Epstein
Maxwell, who compiled the book and is now serving a 20-year sentence for 𝑠e𝑥 trafficking girls to Epstein, included personal captions for many photos. These depict Epstein, often half-naked, alongside women with redacted faces. Notable captions include:
-
Epstein in a suit next to a woman: “He is the boyfriend of […….], we think he works for the CIA.”
-
Epstein reading in a marble bath: “Waiting for my foot massage.”
-
A naked Maxwell in a pool held by Epstein: “Happy birthday, Love Ghislaine.”
These entries highlight Maxwell’s role in normalizing Epstein’s lifestyle, which masked his criminal activities.
A Broader Reckoning
The birthday book, part of a larger trove subpoenaed from Epstein’s estate in August 2025, also includes his 2019 will and address book entries from 1990–2019. Released by the House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), the documents aim to provide transparency for survivors. No explicit “client list” for Epstein’s trafficking was found, per his estate’s lawyers. The revelations have reignited debates about accountability, with figures across politics and royalty facing renewed scrutiny. Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on 𝑠e𝑥-trafficking charges, in a death ruled a suicide.
This “birthday book” stands as a grim testament to Epstein’s influence and the complicity or ignorance of those in his orbit, forcing a long-avoided conversation about power, privilege, and predation.
