Police Scotland opens inquiry into Andrew, Epstein, and Maxwell's Balmoral visits

Key points

• Police Scotland confirmed active inquiries into the time spent at Balmoral by Mountbatten-Windsor, Epstein, and Maxwell.
• The Daily Express reported the inquiry relates to allegations of women being trafficked to the castle.
• Police Scotland stated the inquiries are at a 'very early stage' and declined to provide further details.
• Flight logs cited by the Express indicate Mountbatten-Windsor and Maxwell flew to Edinburgh on Epstein's jet in September 2006.
• US Department of Justice files released last year included an email from 'A' at Balmoral asking Maxwell for 'inappropriate friends' in 2001.

Background

This development follows a series of legal setbacks for Mountbatten-Windsor. In February 2026, he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, marking the first time in nearly four centuries a senior British royal was arrested. Although a London High Court ruled in October 2026 that the search warrants used to raid his homes were unlawful, the criminal investigation remains active. A hearing is scheduled for 2027 to determine if seized evidence can be retained under alternative legal powers. Additionally, Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his 'prince' title last October and is taking legal action against Thames Valley Police regarding the search warrants.

How outlets are covering it

BBC and NBC News both report that Police Scotland is conducting inquiries into the Balmoral visits, describing them as being at a 'very early stage.' Both outlets quote the force's statement emphasizing that inquiries are evidence-led and prioritize victim survivors. The BBC highlights specific details from the Daily Express, including flight logs and a 2001 email from an individual identified as 'A' asking for 'inappropriate friends.' NBC News focuses on the broader context of Mountbatten-Windsor's February arrest and the release of images by the US Department of Justice showing him with Epstein. Both sources note that Mountbatten-Windsor has denied wrongdoing, but the BBC provides more detail on the specific allegations of trafficking, while NBC emphasizes the historical significance of his arrest.

Why it matters

The inquiry signals a potential escalation in the legal scrutiny of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, moving from misconduct in public office to possible criminal allegations related to sex trafficking. The involvement of Police Scotland adds a new jurisdictional dimension to the ongoing Epstein-related investigations, potentially impacting the 2027 hearing on the admissibility of seized evidence. This development may also influence public perception of the British royal family's handling of Epstein's associations and the integrity of previous police investigations.

What to watch

Police Scotland will continue its evidence-led inquiries, though no timeline has been provided. The outcome of the 2027 hearing regarding the admissibility of seized evidence from the February raids will be crucial for the misconduct in public office case. Mountbatten-Windsor's legal team may respond to the new inquiries, and further details could emerge as the investigation progresses. The focus will remain on whether the Balmoral visits involved criminal activity, particularly related to the alleged trafficking of women.