Police Scotland launches early-stage inquiries into alleged Epstein-related activities at Balmoral

Police Scotland confirmed that it is pursuing active inquiries after receiving information about alleged activities involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and convicted sex-trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire. The force said the investigations are "very early stage" and that it would be inappropriate to provide 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," a Police Scotland spokesperson said.

The inquiries follow reports that women were trafficked to the royal residence and that Epstein and Maxwell visited the castle, including a documented flight on Epstein's private jet from Luton to Edinburgh on 1 September 2006. An image released by U.S. prosecutors during Maxwell's trial purportedly shows Epstein and Maxwell at Balmoral, and a 2001 email from an individual identified only as "A" to Maxwell references a stay at the castle.

Police Scotland previously sought information about Epstein's private jet use at Edinburgh Airport and noted that no complaints had been received at that time. The force emphasized that the current investigations are focused on evidence and the welfare of potential victims.