Former Prince Andrew, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has launched a legal challenge against search warrants used by police during investigations linked to his February arrest.
Mountbatten-Windsor’s lawyers are seeking a judicial review of the warrants that authorised searches of properties in Sandringham and at Royal Lodge in Windsor, following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that it was involved in the legal proceedings, saying, “We are engaged in legal proceedings in relation to warrants previously obtained from the Central Criminal Court.”
The force added, “As these legal proceedings are currently ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”
The warrants were issued by a judge at the Central Criminal Court on February 18, a day before Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested.
His legal challenge is against the chief constable of Thames Valley Police and the Central Criminal Court.
A hearing is scheduled for Thursday afternoon to consider his application to have the warrants quashed.
Proceedings will initially take place in private as the judge considers a police request to keep some documents confidential.
Police searched Mountbatten-Windsor’s property at Marsh Farm in Sandringham and his former residence, Royal Lodge, for several days following his arrest.
The arrest came on his 66th birthday after information from files relating to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein emerged in the United States.
The files included emails that appeared to show Mountbatten-Windsor sharing official documents with Epstein and others while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
He had previously been stripped of his titles by King Charles following revelations that he had maintained links with Epstein after publicly stating that those links had ended.
Mountbatten-Windsor was released under investigation after being taken to Aylsham police station following his arrest.
His legal challenge represents his first public move to contest actions taken against him since the investigation began.
Thames Valley Police has said its investigation remains ongoing and that it has been working with the United States Department of Justice to obtain further information that could be relevant to the case.
The force has also indicated that allegations of sexual misconduct could form part of its inquiry into potential misconduct in public office.
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied wrongdoing in connection with his association with Epstein.
