The Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Epstein investigation has taken a new turn after Police Scotland confirmed active inquiries into information concerning Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and their reported visit to Balmoral, the royal family’s private estate in Scotland. The inquiries follow reports alleging that women may have been trafficked to the estate.
Police Scotland said it had received information and was conducting inquiries, although the investigation remains at an early stage. The force has not publicly disclosed the specific allegations being examined or confirmed whether any criminal offence occurred at Balmoral.
Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in prison in 2019, reportedly visited Balmoral in 1999 after being invited by Andrew, who was then known as Prince Andrew.
An undated photograph from that period appears to show Epstein and Maxwell relaxing at a log cabin on the royal estate. Other images released previously by the United States Department of Justice appear to show Andrew and Epstein together on a shooting trip.
The Daily Express reported that the latest inquiries relate to claims that women were trafficked to Balmoral in the Scottish Highlands. These allegations have not been established as fact, and police have not publicly confirmed the details of the claims.
Police Scotland confirms active Balmoral inquiries
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that officers were examining information connected to the matter but declined to provide further details.
“We have received information and active inquiries are ongoing but these are at a very early stage.
“All inquiries are evidence-led, with the needs of victim survivors at the heart of those inquiries.
“We would never confirm details of ongoing inquiries, and it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
The statement confirms that police are making inquiries, but it does not establish whether an offence took place at Balmoral or whether individuals connected to the visit will face further action.
The Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Epstein investigation is unfolding alongside other British police inquiries linked to the release of documents concerning Epstein.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council has confirmed that forces including Thames Valley Police, the Metropolitan Police and Surrey Police also have live investigations connected to the release of the Epstein files.
The inquiries reflect growing scrutiny of Epstein’s relationships with influential figures and allegations associated with his sex-trafficking activities.
Epstein and Maxwell’s reported visit to Balmoral
Balmoral Castle, situated in the Scottish Highlands, has long served as a private residence of the British royal family.
Queen Victoria purchased the estate privately in 1852 as a summer retreat. Members of the royal family traditionally spend time there during August.
The estate also became associated with the final days of Queen Elizabeth II, who died there in September 2022 at the age of 96.
Epstein’s reported visit in 1999 has attracted renewed attention because of his association with Andrew and Maxwell, who was convicted of sex-trafficking offences.
Photographs linked to the visit appear to show Epstein and Maxwell at a log cabin on the estate. Images released by the US Department of Justice also appear to show Andrew and Epstein on a shooting trip.
However, photographs showing individuals together do not, by themselves, establish that a crime took place. Police have not publicly detailed the evidence underpinning the latest inquiries or confirmed the precise nature of the allegations.
Epstein files raise questions about emails to Maxwell
Documents released as part of the Epstein files have also drawn attention to emails sent to Maxwell by an individual using the name “The Invisible Man”.
One email, sent in August 2001, reportedly came from someone who said their “valet” had recently died and that they had “left the RN”. Andrew had left the Royal Navy the previous month.
Another email dated 16 August 2001 said the sender was at “Balmoral Summer Camp for the Royal Family” before asking Maxwell: “Have you found me some inappropriate friends?”
The excerpts reported in the article do not definitively establish the sender’s identity. However, similarities between details in the messages and events in Andrew’s life have attracted public attention.
A separate email from Maxwell in March 2002 referred to a message she had passed to an unidentified person. The message began: “I just gave Andrew your telephone no.”
Maxwell’s message also said Andrew would be “very happy” if the recipient did some “two-legged sightseeing”.
The correspondence has become part of the wider examination of relationships surrounding Epstein and Maxwell. Nevertheless, the meaning of the emails and the identities of everyone involved should not be treated as conclusively established by the excerpts alone.
Andrew’s arrest and separate police investigation
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on 19 February, his 66th birthday, following allegations that he shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the United Kingdom’s special representative for international trade and investment.
He was interviewed under caution and subsequently released under investigation. The inquiry into those allegations remains ongoing.
Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing.
His arrest followed the release of additional material concerning his relationship with Epstein, intensifying scrutiny of his conduct and former public responsibilities.
Andrew served as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 until 2011, when he stepped down amid controversy over his friendship with Epstein.
Although he received no salary for the role, questions were raised about the thousands of pounds spent annually on expenses and travel while he promoted British business interests at home and abroad.
The allegations concerning his time as trade envoy and the latest reports involving Balmoral are separate matters. Police have not publicly confirmed that the Balmoral inquiries have resulted in a new allegation against Andrew personally.
King Charles removes Andrew’s royal titles
King Charles stripped his brother of his prince title and dukedom in 2025 after further details emerged about his association with Epstein.
Andrew also moved out of the Royal Lodge in Windsor earlier in 2026 following the release of additional Epstein-related documents by the US Department of Justice.
He subsequently moved to Marsh Farm on the King’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The relocation followed public criticism of his former residence and the arrangements under which he occupied the property.
Andrew’s association with Epstein had already caused significant reputational damage before the latest disclosures.
The renewed scrutiny has intensified questions about what prominent figures knew about Epstein’s activities and the extent of their relationships with him.
Virginia Giuffre’s allegations remain part of the controversy
Andrew’s relationship with Epstein also attracted international attention because of allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers.
Giuffre alleged that she was trafficked to Andrew at the home of Maxwell, the convicted sex trafficker. Andrew has denied the allegations and said he never met Giuffre.
In 2022, Andrew paid millions of pounds to settle a civil lawsuit brought by Giuffre in the United States. The settlement did not amount to an admission of liability.
Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025 at the age of 41.
Her allegations and the settlement remain central to the wider public controversy surrounding Andrew’s association with Epstein, although they are distinct from the latest inquiries concerning Balmoral.
Police investigate as scrutiny of Epstein connections continues
The Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Epstein investigation adds another dimension to continuing efforts to examine Epstein’s connections with wealthy and influential people in Britain and elsewhere.
Police Scotland has stressed that its inquiries remain at an early stage and will be evidence-led, with the needs of survivors at the centre of its work.
Other British police forces are also investigating matters connected to the release of Epstein-related documents. The scope and outcome of those investigations will depend on the evidence available to investigators.
For now, Police Scotland has not confirmed the details of the claims concerning Balmoral or announced any charges arising from its inquiries.
The central question is whether the information received by police can be substantiated and whether it establishes evidence of criminal activity connected to the Scottish royal estate.
As inquiries continue, further findings could clarify the circumstances surrounding Epstein and Maxwell’s reported visit and whether any alleged wrongdoing occurred.
About The Author
