Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has accused detectives of taking personal items during raids on his homes linked to the Epstein files. The former Duke of York was arrested on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew is now launching a bid to quash the search warrants that led to his arrest after discovering officers had allegedly removed 'private and confidential material unconnected to the criminal investigation'. It has not been revealed what those items were.
Challenge over warrants
His challenge concerns the warrants that allowed officers to raid his temporary Sandringham home, Wood Farm, and the Royal Lodge, where Andrew had lived for more than two decades before his move to the Norfolk estate.
The King stripped his brother of both his right to be a prince and his dukedom late last year over his association with the convicted sex offender. Since being stripped of his titles and evicted from the Royal Lodge, Andrew has been receiving a stipend from the King. The amount has not been revealed, but he has reportedly been told it is not for the legal battle with police.
Legal proceedings ongoing
A judge at the Old Bailey issued warrants that allowed police to raid Andrew's residence on the Sandringham estate and his former Windsor home, Royal Lodge. On Monday, a judicial spokesperson confirmed a private hearing in Andrew's legal claim is due to take place at 2pm on Thursday at the High Court, before Mr Justice Hilliard.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said in a statement: 'Whilst our investigation into misconduct in public office continues, we are engaged in legal proceedings in relation to warrants previously obtained from the Central Criminal Court. As these legal proceedings are currently ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.'
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been contacted for comment.
