Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is said to be feeling 'utterly convinced' that he will succeed after launching legal action against Thames Valley Police. On Monday, it emerged that the former prince is taking legal action against both the police force and the Central Criminal Court in a bid to quash search warrants which led to his arrest, with a private High Court hearing to take place on Thursday.
Legal challenge over search warrants
The former Duke of York has been granted permission to challenge whether the police force acted lawfully over the searches relating to his dramatic arrest in February. He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein during his time as the UK's trade envoy.
With the hearing due to take place in a matter of days, a source close to the former prince said Andrew is 'convinced' he will emerge victorious in his legal battle. A friend of Andrew's told The Sun: "He seems incredibly buoyant despite everything he has been through and is really upbeat. He is utterly convinced that one day he will be completely exonerated. He thinks this is the first step towards that."
Judicial review application
Andrew's application for a judicial review is said to have been made earlier this year. A judicial spokesperson confirmed on Monday that a hearing over the former prince's application would be taking place before Mr Justice Hilliard. The spokesperson said the hearing will concern a bid by Thames Valley Police to restrict access to court documents, with the hearing to begin in private.
The King's brother will challenge the legality of search warrants that allowed police to raid his Marsh Farm residence on the Sandringham Estate and his former Windsor home of Royal Lodge. A judge at the Old Bailey issued warrants which allowed police to raid the properties. A palace source added that Andrew's legal defence was a matter for him and his lawyers and that Buckingham Palace has no role in determining its strategy or actions.
Funding restrictions and arrest background
On Monday, Andrew was warned that he is not to use private funds provided from the King to pay for his legal action. Charles does make some financial provision for his disgraced younger brother, in the form of an annual stipend to help pay for his living costs at Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate. But a Buckingham Palace source has now said it has been made clear that the money should not be used to fund the upcoming Judicial Review. It is not known whether Andrew will attend the hearing.
It will mark the first time that a member of the Royal Family has challenged criminal proceedings in the courts since 1649 when Charles I was tried for treason. Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday in February, and was taken to a police station in Norfolk where he was held for 12 hours, before being released. Upon his release, Thames Valley Police confirmed the former prince is under investigation. He was then photographed looking shell-shocked as he was driven away from the station after being questioned, and has only been seen a few times since. Andrew has remained holed up in his home of Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate, only being seen on occasion driving his car or walking his dogs.
