Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could be plotting a return to the Royal Family following his legal triumph over Thames Valley Police. The former Prince, who won his case against the force on Thursday (8 October), may be hoping to resume certain elements of his royal life.
Royal biographer weighs in on possible return
Appearing on LBC on Friday (9 October), host Andrew Marr asked royal biographer Ingrid Seward if she believed it was possible that Andrew would return to the Royal Family. "I don't know about that," the author replied. "But I do feel that they… We know that they are talking to him. We know they're seeing him, and I feel that he could return to the outskirts of the Royal Family."
"I mean, things change very quickly, as we well know," Seward continued. "But I think this has to move at a pace before anything changes."
LBC viewers react with fury
Following the discussion, LBC viewers were left outraged by the prospect of Andrew's royal return. "What a disgusting discussion. This was no victory… the man knows so much that could help victims secure some justice, yet he refuses to cooperate. Return to the outskirts??!" replied broadcaster Narinder Kaur, referencing Andrew's close relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
"They didn't decide he's not guilty; the investigation continues, and he's still guilty of dubious conduct," pointed out a second. "Return? A botched raid changes nothing," added a third. Meanwhile, a fourth declared, "What a f*****g laugh this country is."
Legal victory details
The discussion surrounding Andrew's future came hours after Queen Elizabeth's son enjoyed a small victory in his legal challenge against Thames Valley Police. Months after the 66-year-old's homes were raided by police, culminating in his arrest, High Court judge Mr Justice Hilliard confirmed that Andrew and the police had reached an agreement, with the search warrants used at the time ruled unlawful.
"The fact that the search warrants were quashed does not bring the investigation to an end or mean that the whole of the investigation is unlawful," Justice Hilliard stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Thames Valley Police released a statement of their own, with a spokesperson clarifying, "Legal proceedings are currently ongoing to decide how material seized during the searches will be managed and whether we can lawfully retain it in support of our ongoing investigation."
"Our investigation into alleged misconduct in public office by a man in his 60s from Norfolk remains ongoing, and we continue to pursue all reasonable lines of enquiry to effectively and fairly progress this investigation."
In February, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following allegations that he had provided Epstein with confidential information during his tenure as the UK's trade representative. Andrew has denied any wrongdoing.
