The Andrew Epstein probe has taken a new turn after Police Scotland confirmed that officers are examining information about 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 were trafficked to the Scottish Highlands property. Although the claims have attracted renewed attention, police have not publicly established that trafficking or any other criminal activity took place at the estate.
Epstein reportedly visited Balmoral in 1999 after an invitation from Andrew, who was then a prince. Maxwell, his longtime associate who was later convicted of sex-trafficking offences, was also reportedly connected to the visit.
An undated photograph appears to show Epstein and Maxwell at a log cabin on the estate. Other photographs released by the United States Department of Justice appear to show Andrew and Epstein together on a shooting trip.
The latest development has brought renewed attention to the former prince’s relationship with Epstein, whose connections to influential personalities across politics, business and entertainment became a major international scandal.
Police Scotland confirms active inquiries
A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed that the force had received information and was conducting inquiries, although investigators were not prepared to disclose 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 examining information but does not identify any suspects or indicate whether the investigation will lead to arrests or prosecutions.
The Andrew Epstein probe is unfolding alongside other British investigations connected to documents released in the United States concerning the late financier.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council has confirmed that Thames Valley Police, the Metropolitan Police and Surrey Police are among the forces with live investigations linked to the Epstein files.
The separate inquiries concern different aspects of the wider scandal. The existence of an investigation does not, by itself, establish wrongdoing by everyone mentioned in the released documents.
Why Balmoral has become part of the investigation
Balmoral Castle, located in the Scottish Highlands, has served as a private retreat for the British royal family for generations.
Queen Victoria purchased the estate privately in 1852, establishing its association with the monarchy as a summer residence. It later became particularly significant following the death of Queen Elizabeth II there in September 2022, aged 96.
Epstein’s reported visit in 1999 has attracted renewed scrutiny because of his association with Andrew and Maxwell.
The reported presence of the three individuals at the royal property has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the visit and whether the latest allegations can be substantiated.
However, the photographs and historical accounts of the visit do not independently prove that criminal offences occurred. Police Scotland has not publicly explained the precise nature of the information it received.
Emails from ‘The Invisible Man’ attract attention
Other material contained in the Epstein files has raised questions about correspondence between Maxwell and an individual who used the name “The Invisible Man”.
One email sent in August 2001 reportedly referred to the sender’s “valet” having recently died and stated that they had “left the RN”. Andrew had left the Royal Navy the previous month.
Another message, dated 16 August 2001, reportedly said the sender was attending “Balmoral Summer Camp for the Royal Family” before asking Maxwell: “Have you found me some inappropriate friends?”
The references have attracted attention because of their apparent similarities to details of Andrew’s life and the royal family’s activities. However, the excerpts do not conclusively establish the identity of the sender.
A separate email from Maxwell in March 2002 reportedly contained the statement: “I just gave Andrew your telephone no.”
Maxwell added that Andrew would be “very happy” if the recipient carried out some “two-legged sightseeing”.
The correspondence has become part of the wider examination of Epstein’s network and his relationships with influential people. Nevertheless, the precise context of the messages and the identity of their sender cannot be conclusively determined from the excerpts alone.
Andrew’s arrest over alleged misconduct in public office
Andrew is also facing a separate police investigation concerning allegations linked to his former position as the United Kingdom’s special representative for international trade and investment.
He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on 19 February 2026, his 66th birthday, following allegations that he shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving in the role.
He was interviewed under caution and subsequently released under investigation. The inquiry remains ongoing, while Andrew denies wrongdoing.
Andrew held the trade representative position between 2001 and 2011 before stepping down amid controversy surrounding his friendship with Epstein.
Although he did not receive a salary for the appointment, questions were raised about the thousands of pounds spent annually on expenses and travel connected to his official responsibilities.
The misconduct allegations concern his activities while serving as a public representative. They are distinct from the latest Balmoral inquiries, and police have not publicly confirmed that the two investigations are directly connected.
King Charles strips Andrew of royal titles
Andrew’s relationship with Epstein has also had significant consequences for his position within the royal family.
King Charles stripped his brother of his prince title and dukedom in 2025 after further details emerged about his association with the convicted sex offender.
Andrew subsequently moved out of Royal Lodge in Windsor earlier in 2026 following the release of additional Epstein-related documents by the US Department of Justice.
He relocated to Marsh Farm on the King’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk amid growing public criticism surrounding his former residence and the arrangements associated with it.
The developments have further reduced Andrew’s public standing and intensified scrutiny of his past relationships and official responsibilities.
Virginia Giuffre’s allegations and financial settlement
Another major aspect of the controversy involves Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers.
Giuffre alleged that she was trafficked to Andrew at the home of Maxwell. Andrew denied ever meeting her and rejected allegations of wrongdoing.
In 2022, he agreed to pay millions of pounds to settle a civil lawsuit brought by Giuffre in the United States. The settlement was reached without an admission of liability.
Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025 at the age of 41.
Her allegations and the subsequent settlement remain important elements of the controversy surrounding Andrew’s association with Epstein. However, they are separate from the latest reports concerning the Scottish royal estate.
Police inquiries leave questions unanswered
The Andrew Epstein probe has placed the reported 1999 Balmoral visit under renewed examination, but significant questions remain about the allegations and the evidence available to investigators.
Police Scotland has not disclosed whether officers have interviewed witnesses, examined additional records or identified anyone as a suspect in connection with the claims.
The force has emphasized that its inquiries are at an early stage and will be guided by evidence, with the needs of survivors remaining central to its work.
For now, there has been no public confirmation that criminal offences occurred at Balmoral or that charges will follow from the latest inquiries.
Further developments will depend on what investigators establish as they examine the information received and determine whether it supports the allegations surrounding Epstein’s reported visit to the royal estate.
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