Police Scotland has received information and is conducting active inquiries into the time Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Jeffrey Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell spent at Balmoral, the King’s private estate in Scotland. Source: independent.co.uk.
What Happened
Convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein visited Balmoral in 1999, reportedly at the invitation of then-Prince Andrew.
An undated photograph shows Epstein and Maxwell at the Glen Beg log cabin on the royal estate. US Department of Justice images also appear to show Andrew and Epstein on a shooting trip.
The Daily Express reported that the inquiries relate to claims women were trafficked to the Scottish Highlands estate.
Police Scotland said: “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.”
Key Facts and Timeline
- Epstein visited Balmoral in 1999, reportedly at the invitation of Prince Andrew.
- Andrew served as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 to 2011.
- He stepped down in 2011 amid growing scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein.
- He was interviewed under caution and released, denying any wrongdoing.
- Thames Valley, Metropolitan, and Surrey Police are all investigating Epstein-related files, as confirmed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
Background: The Epstein Files
An email dated August 2001, signed ‘A’, asked Ghislaine Maxwell for ‘inappropriate friends’. It references the death of Epstein’s ‘valet’ and states the person had left the Royal Navy — a detail matching Andrew’s known departure that month.
Another email, also dated 16 August 2001, mentions a visit to the Balmoral Summer Camp and asks: ‘Have you found me some inappropriate friends?’ This suggests a pattern of communication between Epstein, Maxwell, and Andrew.
On 16 March 2002, Maxwell emailed ‘The Invisible Man’ saying she passed a message to an unnamed person: ‘I just gave Andrew your telephone no.’ The message continued: ‘Andrew would be very happy if he did some two-legged sightseeing.’ Such language raises questions about the nature of their relationship, though it does not prove abuse or trafficking.
Public and Political Response
King Charles stripped Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his title and dukedom last year after new details emerged of his ties to Epstein.
Andy Burnham told reporters: ‘Those are matters for the police. It’s not for me to comment on police investigations, which should properly be independent.’ He emphasized that investigations must remain evidence-led and free from political influence.
Financial and Personal Claims
Andrew paid Virginia Giuffre, a woman he claims never met, millions of pounds to settle a civil suit in the US in 2022.
Giuffre alleged she was trafficked to the former duke’s home through Maxwell, a convicted sex trafficker. She died by suicide in April 2025 at age 41.
While Giuffre’s allegations are part of public discussion, they have not been independently verified. No official body has confirmed the details of her experience or trafficking claims.
Limitations and Uncertainties
There is no public evidence that women were trafficked to Balmoral. The claims are based on emails and testimonies, not verified incidents.
Police Scotland has not confirmed any specific allegations of trafficking or abuse at the estate.
The emails suggest connections between Epstein, Maxwell, and Andrew, but do not prove criminal activity or abuse.
Findings remain under investigation and are subject to legal and evidentiary review.
These inquiries are part of a broader review of Epstein-related contacts among UK figures. Multiple police forces are involved. Official conclusions have not yet been reached.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: original publisher image. Via original publisher. Image source
