Searches of Northern Ireland Office records show no evidence that Jeffrey Epstein stayed at Hillsborough Castle. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn informed Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows of the results in a letter. The checks covered electronic files and physical documents, including those from Lord Mandelson's time as secretary of state from October 1999 to January 2001.

No information emerged indicating contact between Epstein and Mandelson during that period. Officials also examined visitors' books at the castle. Those records contained no mention of Epstein. Routine visits logs were destroyed after three to six years under retention policy, but significant visitors' entries were retained and reviewed.

The inquiry followed Democratic Unionist Party MP Carla Lockhart's request for a full review of claims that Epstein visited the site. Lord Mandelson, arrested Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, was released on bail pending further investigation. The UK government stated it would cooperate with police probes.

Burrows called the findings reassuring yet limited by record disposal. He described the examination as proper given the scandal's seriousness and urged full scrutiny of related investigations.

Hillsborough Castle serves as the King's official residence in Northern Ireland. Located in Royal Hillsborough, County Down, the site was acquired by the UK government in 1922 as the governor's home. After 1972, its roles shifted to the secretary of state.