Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has created a new headache for his brother King Charles by mounting legal action against the police, directly contradicting the monarch's request for him to stay out of the spotlight.
The former prince's legal challenge centres on search warrants that allowed raids on two of his royal homes. At a High Court hearing on Thursday, a senior judge found the warrants had not been lawfully issued and should be quashed. Andrew is also taking further legal action to recover items seized by Thames Valley Police during the raids.
Andrew's Return to the Spotlight
The development comes after over seven months of relative silence on the so-called Andrew problem. Allies say the former prince feels "vindicated" – but it's not difficult to imagine how King Charles and other royals are feeling.
Palace sources told the Daily Express that the King had told his brother in no uncertain terms that none of his money – as Charles provides a six-figure personal allowance to Andrew from his private funds – is to be used to fund the case. The Monarch is keeping well clear of the legal action, but it's not a surprise to hear that he's not best pleased that his brother has thrust himself back into the spotlight.
King's Efforts to Protect the Institution
Andrew has cast a long, murky shadow over the monarchy and the King has done his utmost to protect the institution from any fallout. He stripped his titles, banished him to the Sandringham Estate, and has issued several statements on the matter. All he has asked of his brother is to keep a low profile and stay out of the papers. But now it appears he's decided to do the opposite – put the gloves on and fight.
