Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is taking legal action against Thames Valley police to challenge the legality of search warrants that led to his arrest earlier this year, a judicial spokesperson has said.
A private high court hearing is due to take place before Mr Justice Hilliard on Thursday to determine whether documents related to the former Duke of York’s call for a judicial review can be made public, with Thames Valley police in opposition.
Legal Challenge Over Search Warrants
The legal fight stems from the issuing of warrants by an Old Bailey judge that allowed police to raid Mountbatten-Windsor’s residence on the Sandringham estate, and his former Windsor home, Royal Lodge, in February. Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, in the wake of information that emerged from the Jeffrey Epstein files.
A high court judge subsequently granted him permission to challenge the legality of the force’s actions over the searches.
First Royal Challenge Since 1649
According to the Daily Telegraph, which first reported Mountbatten-Windsor’s legal challenge, it represented the first time a member of the royal family had challenged the lawfulness of criminal proceedings against them since the trial of Charles I in 1649.
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his 66th birthday in relation to allegations that when he was the UK’s trade envoy he shared sensitive information with Epstein, a convicted child sex offender.
Arrest and Investigation
Late last year, King Charles stripped his brother of his right to be a prince and of his dukedom over his association with the late financier.
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on 19 February and interviewed under caution before being released under investigation.
Misconduct in public office can cover a wide range of conduct, including sharing confidential financial information, financial misconduct, wilful neglect of duty and sexual misconduct. It also covers corruption and improper interference, conflict of interest, perverting the course of justice, dishonesty or fraudulent conduct, and misconduct leading to personal gain.
Thames Valley police 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.”
Mountbatten-Windsor has been approached for comment.
