Police launch new inquiry into Prince Andrew’s Balmoral connections
Former UK royal Prince Andrew is facing a renewed police investigation concerning his relationships with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, specifically focusing on their time spent at Balmoral, the royal family’s Scottish estate. Police Scotland confirmed the inquiry Friday, stating it stems from newly surfaced information. Details regarding the nature of this information have been reported by the Daily Express as potentially involving the trafficking of women to the Balmoral retreat.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland emphasized that the investigation is in its early stages and is “evidence led,” prioritizing the needs of victim survivors. They declined to provide further details.
Images from 1999, previously released during Maxwell’s sex trafficking trial in 2021, depict Maxwell, now 64, and Epstein appearing comfortable during a visit to Balmoral. One photograph shows Maxwell resting her arm on Epstein’s leg.
Additional images released by the Department of Justice in December revealed Epstein and Maxwell participating in a shooting trip at Balmoral. Reports also suggest Prince Andrew hosted a model in her 20s during a 1999 visit, believed to be the only known stay for Epstein and Maxwell at the estate. The DOJ’s records contain over 80 references to Balmoral.
A 2001 email, signed “A” and purportedly from someone at Balmoral, inquired about finding “new inappropriate friends” and asked about the recipient’s availability. Flight logs released as part of the same records indicate Prince Andrew and Maxwell traveled on Epstein’s private jet from Luton to Edinburgh on September 1, 2006, without Epstein present. This flight occurred two months after Epstein’s arrest in Florida on solicitation of prostitution charges. Police have previously expressed interest in speaking to individuals with information about this specific flight.
Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein’s activities. He previously settled a civil lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein victim, while maintaining his innocence. He also faces accusations of misconduct in public office for allegedly sharing confidential trade documents with Epstein during his time as UK trade envoy. The former royal was arrested at Sandringham Estate on his 66th birthday in February.
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“Disgraced ex-Prince Andrew under fresh investigation over Balmoral trips with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell: cops”
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