Probe into Andrew and Epstein’s visit to King’s estate

UK police are in a “very early stage” of investigating former Prince Andrew’s time at the King’s estate at Balmoral with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, AA

Police in Scotland are investigating information about time former Prince Andrew spent with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell at Balmoral, the King’s private Scottish estate.

Police Scotland says its inquiries remain at a “very early stage”, with officers declining to disclose the nature of the information received or identify any suspected offences.

“We have received information and active inquiries are ongoing but these are at a very early stage,” a spokesperson said. “All inquiries are evidence-led, with the needs of victim survivors at the heart of those inquiries.”

The force added that it would be inappropriate to comment further on ongoing inquiries.

Epstein and Maxwell reportedly visited Balmoral in 1999 at the invitation of Andrew, who is now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The estate, in Aberdeenshire, has been associated with the royal family since 1852.

Images previously released by the US Department of Justice appeared to show Andrew and Epstein on a shooting trip at the estate.

Police have not publicly detailed what they are examining. Their statement does not establish that a crime occurred at Balmoral or that Andrew is suspected of a particular offence.

The development comes amid continuing scrutiny of Andrew’s relationship with Epstein, whose connections to prominent figures have been examined following the release of extensive US government records.

In February, Andrew was arrested by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office relating to his former role as a British trade envoy.

He was questioned for several hours before being released under investigation without charge. That investigation is separate from the Scottish inquiries concerning Balmoral.

Andrew has previously denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.

Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges, while Maxwell was convicted in the United States in 2021 of offences relating to her role in helping Epstein sexually abuse underage girls. She is serving a 20-year prison sentence.

Buckingham Palace said it does not speak on Andrew’s behalf and could not comment on an ongoing police investigation.

Police Scotland has announced no timetable for its inquiries.