Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is “abusing his power” by challenging detectives in court, a lawyer for Epstein survivors has said.
Sigrid McCawley, who sued the former Prince Andrew on behalf of Virginia Giuffre, told Metro that Andrew was “operating as though he is above the law” over his High Court legal challenge on Thursday.
Legal challenge over search warrants
The disgraced former Duke of York is launching a bid to quash the search warrants that led to his arrest over alleged misconduct in public office. Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday following allegations that he shared sensitive information with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The force has since said they could investigate allegations of sexual misconduct against the former prince. Andrew is now challenging 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.
Lawyer's criticism
McCawley, who is representing victims who may have been trafficked to the UK by Epstein, told Metro: “Andrew Windsor continues to operate as though he is above the law.
“He is not above the law and never was.
“Despite being stripped of his titles, Andrew Windsor continues to abuse his power — or what he perceives as power — by challenging and obstructing the important work of law enforcement to fully examine and understand his involvement in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking crimes.”
McCawley represented Giuffre, Andrew’s most prominent accuser, who alleges she was brought to the UK in 2001 by Epstein to have sex with the ex-Duke. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Another lawyer's view
Another US lawyer, Spencer Kuvin, who has represented nine Epstein victims, said Andrew “is entitled to challenge the search warrants, and the courts should decide whether police acted lawfully.”
The attorney added: “But challenging a warrant is not the same as answering the serious questions raised by his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
“For the survivors I represent, the priority remains a thorough investigation that follows the evidence wherever it leads, regardless of anyone’s wealth, status or royal connections.
“They have waited far too long for answers, and they deserve confidence that every credible lead will be pursued.”
Following the Epstein file allegations and claims in the memoir by Giuffre, he was stripped of his prince and duke titles last year. Epstein files released as part of the United States Department of Justice investigation documents suggest Andrew allegedly shared confidential Asia reports and a note on an investment opportunity with the financier.
The former duke and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson were forced to move out of the Royal Lodge after intensified scrutiny of Andrew’s friendship with Epstein.
Despite the King not being involved in the case at all, the Judicial Review is listed at the High Court as “The King (on the application of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor) v The Central Criminal Court and The Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police”. Documents relating to Andrew’s legal bid could be released soon following the private hearing expected to be held on Thursday.
Thames Valley Police said they could not comment further because of the legal proceedings. A spokesperson for the force previously said: “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.
