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Prince Andrew’s Balmoral Links to Epstein Probe

By Drooid · · How we work

In this breakdown

01

Investigation into Royal Visits

Police Scotland has opened an inquiry into alleged visits by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell to the Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where Prince Andrew, the former Duke of York, spends time with the royal family. Officers say the investigation is “at a very early stage” and that any inquiries are evidence-led with victim-survivor concerns central to the work. No further details have been confirmed publicly.

Daily Beast

02

New Evidence from the Epstein Files

Documents released from the Epstein investigation include an email dated in late August in which the prince asked Maxwell to arrange “new inappropriate friends.” The message, signed with his initials, notes that he was at Balmoral’s summer camp and was free from 25 August until 2 September, seeking a sunny getaway before returning to work. The email is presented as part of the broader set of files that detail Epstein’s and Maxwell’s interactions with the prince.

Daily Beast

Visual evidence

Images from the story

Balmoral, purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852, is considered the Royal vacation home. POOL/REUTERS/Andrew Milligan/Pool
Balmoral, purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852, is considered the Royal vacation home. POOL/REUTERS/Andrew Milligan/PoolPhoto: thedailybeast
Epstein and Maxwell both appear to have spent time with Andrew at the royal retreat, with this cabin bearing similarities to one in Balmoral. U.S. Department of Justice
Epstein and Maxwell both appear to have spent time with Andrew at the royal retreat, with this cabin bearing similarities to one in Balmoral. U.S. Department of JusticePhoto: thedailybeast
Prince Andrew, Duke of York attends the Endurance event on day 3 of the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Windsor Great Park on May 12, 2017 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Prince Andrew, Duke of York attends the Endurance event on day 3 of the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Windsor Great Park on May 12, 2017 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)Photo: thedailybeast
Andrew, pictured in 2001 alongside Maxwell and his accuser Virginia Giuffre, has claimed this
Andrew, pictured in 2001 alongside Maxwell and his accuser Virginia Giuffre, has claimed thisPhoto: thedailybeast
Balmoral has long been considered Queen Elizabeth’s favorite royal residence. POOL/Andrew Milligan/Pool via REUTERS
Balmoral has long been considered Queen Elizabeth’s favorite royal residence. POOL/Andrew Milligan/Pool via REUTERSPhoto: thedailybeast
A tranche of
A tranche ofPhoto: thedailybeast

03

Official Responses

Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein. He has also asserted that a photograph showing him with Maxwell and accuser Virginia Giuffre is doctored. The police statement refrains from commenting on the specifics of the inquiry, emphasizing that it would be inappropriate to discuss ongoing investigations.

Daily Beast

04

Recent Legal Development

Earlier this year, the former prince was arrested on his 66th birthday after U.S. authorities alleged he shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving as a U.K. trade envoy. The arrest follows a separate court ruling that granted him a legal lifeline by overturning a prior police search of his two homes.

Daily Beast

05

Potential Impact

The Balmoral probe adds a new geographic focus to the long-standing scrutiny of the prince’s relationship with Epstein. If the inquiry uncovers evidence of trafficking or other illegal activity at the royal retreat, it could intensify calls for further legal action and raise questions about the royal family’s handling of the matter. The outcome may also influence public perception of the monarchy’s accountability in cases involving alleged sexual-exploitation networks.

Daily Beast