Insider · Berlins Today
Portraits of high-profile figures are displayed, including former prime ministers, taoisigh (Irish prime ministers), US presidents, secretaries of state and local politicians. The space often hosted small one-to one discussions or bilateral talks during the peace negotiations. The room is described as a "calm, cosy place for contemplation" by the independent charity which looks after six royal sites and palaces.
The Historic Royal Palaces has the responsibility for the curation of exhibitions and art hanging at Hillsborough Castle. The Royal Household is not involved in the process. The charity has told BBC News NI there are no immediate plans to change the display.
"The 'Preparing the Peace' display is the means through which we share the story of the peace process, and the role that the castle played in negotiations, with our visitors. "The display is situated in a room at the castle where many important negotiations and bilateral talks between the individuals involved took place. "It does not seek to promote or endorse the contribution of any one individual and the works on display have been selected solely because the sitters featured attended peace talks at Hillsborough Castle.
"We maintain that the castle's role in the peace process is an important story to share, and we will continue to do so." In response to a question from BBC News NI about whether there has been any consideration of the portrait's place, a Northern Ireland Office spokesperson said the running of the castle is not their responsibility. "In March 2017, the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) granted Historic Royal Palaces a 25-year lease to manage Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. NIO Ministers have use of the castle, but responsibility for its day-to-day running, including the collections and art on display, rests with Historic Royal Palaces." In 2019, a court document contained claims that Virginia Giuffre had been directed to have sex with a number of high-profile people, including former US Senator George Mitchell.
Mitchell has previously said the allegation contained in the released documents is false. "I have never met, spoken with or had any contact with Ms. Giuffre." The latest release of documents indicated a continued relationship between Mitchell and Epstein, following Epstein's first conviction.
Earlier this year, Mitchell's spokesperson said "he never met, spoken to or had any contact with Giuffre or any underage women". A spokesperson said Mitchell "profoundly regrets ever having known Jeffrey Epstein and condemns, without reservation, the horrific harm Epstein inflicted on so many women". The spokesperson added that he did not observe, suspect or have any knowledge of Epstein engaging in "illegal or inappropriate conduct with underage women".
Epstein, a well-connected financier and convicted sex offender, was found dead by suicide in 2019 while awaiting a trial on sex trafficking charges. Trafficking victim Virginia Giuffre took her own life at the age of 41. Being named or pictured in the Epstein files is not an indication of wrongdoing.
Many of those identified in other releases have denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
Source: BBC
