Police Scotland has launched inquiries into the activities of former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell during their visits to Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
The investigation follows allegations that women were trafficked to the royal residence in Aberdeenshire, according to a report by the Daily Express.
Epstein, who died in 2019, and Maxwell, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 for sex trafficking, reportedly visited the castle alongside Mountbatten-Windsor, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Confirming the development, Police Scotland said it had received information and was conducting active inquiries, although the investigation remained at an early stage.
A spokesperson for the force 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.”
The police statement followed reports that Epstein and Maxwell had visited Balmoral, the Scottish royal residence where members of the Royal Family traditionally spend their summer holidays.
Queen Elizabeth II died at the castle in 2022.
An image released by the United States Department of Justice appears to show Epstein and Maxwell at Balmoral.
The photograph is believed to have been taken in 1999, when Mountbatten-Windsor reportedly invited the pair to stay at the property.
Flight records also indicate that Mountbatten-Windsor and Maxwell travelled from Luton to Edinburgh aboard Epstein’s private jet on September 1, 2006, alongside two other passengers.
The latest development comes months after Police Scotland appealed for information from members of the public regarding Epstein’s private jet and its use of Edinburgh Airport.
At the time, officers said they had not received any reports or complaints relating to the flight.
Last year, the United States Department of Justice released a collection of documents known as the Epstein Files, which included an email sent to Maxwell by an individual identified as ‘A’ while staying at Balmoral in August 2001.
The email, dated August 16, 2001, began, “I am up here at Balmoral Summer Camp for the Royal Family.”
The sender later asked Maxwell, “How’s LA? Have you found me some new inappropriate friends?” before signing off “see ya A xxx”.
Epstein died by suicide in a United States prison in 2019 at the age of 66 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Maxwell was convicted in 2022 for her role in recruiting and procuring girls for Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his prince title last October and was also required to leave his Windsor residence, Royal Lodge.
In February, he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following revelations from the Epstein files but was subsequently released.
Earlier this month, it emerged that he was taking legal action against Thames Valley Police over search warrants issued before his arrest.
Reacting to the latest investigation, Scottish First Minister John Swinney acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and expressed confidence in the police force’s handling of the matter.
“I understand the seriousness of the points that have been made and the concern that has been expressed.
“This is an operational matter for Police Scotland to fully and comprehensively investigate and I’m very confident that’s exactly what Police Scotland will do.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham declined to comment on the investigation, saying the police inquiries “should properly be independent”.
Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing connected to his association with Epstein.
