Police in Scotland have opened an investigation into the 1999 visit of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell to Balmoral Castle, the private estate in the Scottish Highlands associated with the British royal family. The inquiries focus on the period when Epstein, a convicted sex offender, and Maxwell, convicted of sex trafficking a minor, were reported guests at the residence of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly the Duke of York.
Police Scotland confirmed receiving information and conducting early-stage inquiries related to the visit, emphasizing that the investigation is evidence-led and centered on the needs of victims. Authorities have not disclosed further details due to the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation. The inquiries reportedly relate to allegations that women were trafficked to the estate during the time Epstein and Maxwell were present.
This probe follows widespread attention to the interactions between Epstein, Maxwell, and members of the royal family after the release of documents from the U.S. Department of Justice, which included photographs of Epstein with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on the Balmoral estate and at shooting events. Some released emails, attributed to an individual identified as “A” and otherwise known as “The Invisible Man,” suggest contact between Maxwell and Andrew’s circle, with references to Balmoral and “inappropriate friends.” One such email from August 2001 indicated the sender was at “Balmoral summer camp for the royal family” and inquired whether Maxwell had found “inappropriate friends.”
The former Duke of York was arrested on 19 February this year, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 to 2011. He was interviewed under caution and later released under investigation but denies any wrongdoing. The police investigation remains ongoing.
Additional police forces, including Thames Valley Police, the Metropolitan Police, and Surrey Police, are also conducting inquiries tied to the wider release of the Epstein files, according to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). The NPCC noted that identifying further potential offenses, suspects, victims, or witnesses is a complex and time-consuming process but affirmed the commitment of UK law enforcement to a comprehensive review. At present, there is no national-level investigation into the Balmoral-related allegations.
Balmoral Castle, acquired by Queen Victoria in 1852 as the royal family’s summer retreat, has been in the spotlight following reports connecting visits by Epstein and Maxwell to high-profile members of the British royal family. Last year, King Charles formally withdrew Andrew’s royal titles amid growing scrutiny of his relationship with Epstein. The former Duke of York also settled a civil suit in the United States in 2022 by paying millions to Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s primary accusers, who alleged she was trafficked to Andrew by Maxwell.
Scottish authorities have so far neither confirmed nor denied the full scope of the allegations regarding trafficking at Balmoral, maintaining that inquiries remain at an early stage. UK officials have reinforced the importance of allowing investigations to proceed without interference.