Police investigate Epstein's use of Balmoral castle

Police Scotland has confirmed it is keeping "active investigations" open into possible stays by Jeffrey Epstein and the then prince Andrew at Balmoral Castle, though it considers it "inappropriate" to give further details so as not to harm the victims. The investigation came to light after the Daily Express reported that both men are said to have used the residence as a base for bringing young women there for sensual purposes.

Police Scotland has peine what it itself describes as "active investigations" into the possible stays of Jeffrey Epstein and the then prince Andrew at Balmoral Castle, the British monarch's private property. The force acknowledges having received "information" that prompted the inquiries, but considers it "inappropriate" to offer more details because "the needs of surviving victims" must come first. The story broke after the **Daily Express** published that Epstein, Andrew and their mutual friend **Ghislaine Maxwell** are said to have used the Scottish residence as a base for bringing young women there for sensual purposes.

## A private castle at the centre of the investigation

Balmoral is privately owned by the monarch and is not part of the public Crown Estate, which adds a layer of complexity to any inquiry affecting its grounds. Police Scotland has jurisdiction over the territory where the estate is located, in Aberdeenshire, and its decision to confirm the existence of inquiries marks a significant step: this is not a matter of simply receiving complaints that lead nowhere, but of an ongoing investigation. The force has not specified when the proceedings began or what specific steps have been taken to date.

## Andrew, stripped of titles and under questioning

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his titles by his brother, King **Charles III**, in October, precisely when his ties to Epstein came to light. Before that, on **19 February**, he was detained for several hours for allegedly sharing with Epstein sensitive information he had obtained while serving as Britain's trade envoy. He has always denied any involvement in sensual abuses alongside his friend Epstein. After that questioning he kept a low profile and moved into a home provided by the King from among his personal properties. The Daily Express notes that he is no longer content to shut himself away "in his more modest abode" and has taken up two of his favourite pastimes again: weekend hunting parties and dinners and cocktails in the evenings.

## Maxwell, in prison, and the presumption of innocence

**Ghislaine Maxwell** is serving her sentence in the United States for her role in Epstein's abuse network. Epstein died in 2019. Her name appears linked to the Balmoral stays according to the Daily Express report. The friends who have not yet turned their backs on Andrew call for the principle that everyone is innocent until proven guilty to be applied, even though public opinion has already deemed him guilty. Police Scotland has not charged anyone in connection with these stays and merely confirms that it is investigating.

## What is known and what is not

There is no official confirmation of dates, of the identities of the people allegedly brought to Balmoral, or of whether the stays took place with the Royal Household's knowledge. The police investigation remains open and any conclusions about incivil liability are yet to be determined. Caution is warranted: these are ongoing proceedings and accusations that, for now, have not led to formal charges.