Scottish Police Investigate Epstein's Visit to Balmoral at Ex-Prince Andrew's Invitation
Police Scotland has opened an investigation into the 1999 visit to the royal Balmoral residence by US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. They reportedly came at the invitation of Andrew, then a prince.
Police in Scotland have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding a visit by convicted American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell to Balmoral, the private Scottish residence of British monarchs. The inquiry concerns the former Prince Andrew, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. A police spokesperson announced it, as reported by Sky News.
According to law enforcement, Epstein and Maxwell visited Balmoral in 1999. They reportedly arrived at the invitation of Andrew, who was then still a prince.
"We have received information and there is an active investigation under way, but it is at a very early stage," the spokesperson said. He stressed that the inquiry is evidence-based and that the needs of people who have experienced abuse are at its centre.
Earlier developments
Andrew, 66, was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office in connection with his relationship with Epstein. Searches were carried out at his properties in Sandringham, in eastern England, and in Windsor. The source describes the arrest as unprecedented in recent history: it was the first time in 300 years that a member of the royal family was detained and questioned by law enforcement.
Mountbatten-Windsor later filed a lawsuit seeking to have the search warrants set aside.
In October 2025, Andrew was stripped of his title of prince over allegations of ties to the disgraced American financier Epstein.
