Queen Elizabeth’s beloved Scottish retreat, Balmoral Castle, has become the focus of renewed scrutiny surrounding her son, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Police Scotland confirmed that active inquiries are underway following reports about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor‘s visits to Balmoral Castle with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
The inquiries remained at an early stage, and police declined to identify their precise focus. The investigation follows allegations reported by the Scottish Daily Express that women were trafficked to the royal estate.
Police Scotland launches inquiries into Andrew and Epstein’s Balmoral links
Police Scotland confirmed the development to PEOPLE on October 30. A spokesperson said, “We have received information and active inquiries are ongoing but these are at a very early stage.” The spokesperson added, “All inquiries are evidence led, with the needs of victim survivors at the heart of those enquiries.” Police declined further comment.
The Scottish Daily Express first reported the alleged activity. Andrew reportedly welcomed Epstein and Maxwell during a 1999 visit. An undated photograph released as part of U.S. court proceedings shows Epstein and Maxwell at a log cabin on the Balmoral estate. A model who accompanied the group, then in her twenties, later questioned her presence: “Why was I really there? Did [Epstein] really enjoy my company all that much or was I being prepped to end up being sent out like a gift to some people?”
Police had also sought information about a September 2006 flight into Edinburgh Airport. Andrew and Maxwell reportedly traveled aboard Epstein’s private jet. Police initially said they had received no complaint but welcomed information.
The inquiries followed U.S. Justice Department document releases in December 2025. The BBC reported that an email included in the released documents appeared to have been sent from Balmoral by a person identified only as “A.” It read, “I am up here at Balmoral Summer Cape for the Royal Family,” then asked, “How’s LA? Have you found me some new inappropriate friends?” Maxwell earned five federal felony convictions in 2021 for helping Epstein exploit underage girls.
Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing. Buckingham Palace declined comment, saying it could not speak for him. Balmoral, where Queen Elizabeth died in September 2022, now belongs to King Charles. Charles stripped Andrew’s remaining titles last year and moved him from Royal Lodge to Marsh Farm. Police arrested Andrew in February 2026 over alleged misconduct in public office, but prosecutors have not charged him. On October 8, police conceded that the search warrants used during raids on Andrew’s current and former homes were unlawful.
