Police Scotland have opened an investigation into a 1999 visit by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Andrew, brother of King Charles III, to the Balmoral royal estate in Scotland, following allegations of human trafficking involving women transported to the residence.
Scottish law enforcement confirmed receiving information regarding the stay of Epstein, Andrew, and Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell at the royal castle, adding that inquiries remain in their early stages.
Royal estate visit under scrutiny
Epstein visited Balmoral Castle in 1999 upon the invitation of Andrew, who held the title of Prince Andrew at the time.
Photographs released as part of US Department of Justice filings show Epstein and Maxwell relaxing inside Glen Beg lodge on the estate grounds, alongside images showing Andrew and Epstein participating in a shooting trip in the area. British media outlets report that the new probe specifically addresses suspicions of sex trafficking involving women brought to the Highland retreat.
A Police Scotland spokesperson stated that all investigations remain evidence-based and centered on survivor needs, declining to provide further details regarding active inquiries.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) confirmed that several UK forces—including Thames Valley Police, London’s Metropolitan Police, and Surrey Police—are actively investigating leads stemming from the unsealed “Epstein Files.”
Historical context and legal fallout
Balmoral Castle, acquired privately by Queen Victoria in 1852, serves as a traditional summer residence for the British Royal Family and was the site of Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022.
The former Duke of York was stripped of his royal titles by King Charles III following further disclosures regarding his ties to Epstein. In February, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations of sharing sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as a UK trade envoy. He was questioned under oath and released under investigation, maintaining a denial of all wrongdoing.
Unsealed email disclosures include a message sent from Balmoral in August 2001, signed “A,” asking Maxwell whether she had located any “inappropriate friends” for him.
