King Charles has firmly refused to fund Prince Andrew's legal action against Thames Valley Police over the lawfulness of search warrants that allowed officers to raid his residences in February.
King distances himself from brother's case
The former Duke of York is challenging the warrants issued by a judge at the Old Bailey, which permitted raids on his home on the Sandringham Estate and his former Windsor residence, Royal Lodge. The first hearing against the force is being held at the High Court today.
Following the news of Andrew's legal action, sources moved quickly to clarify that the King is "absolutely not funding" his brother's actions. The Daily Express's Royal Editor Emily Ferguson said on the latest episode of Royals Unscripted on YouTube that sources claimed: "The King is absolutely not funding this."
Ms Ferguson added: "He [the King] has distanced himself and said: 'I've got nothing to do with this case'" and has warned Andrew "You're not using my money".
Background to the legal challenge
Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as the UK's trade envoy. He was interviewed under caution before being released under investigation, and denies wrongdoing.
The Royal Courts of Justice will today hear Thames Valley Police's bid to restrict access to court documents for the claim. The hearing before Mr Justice Hilliard is due to begin at 2pm. It will begin in private, with the press and public excluded, and a judgment is expected to be given in open court.
Search details and royal reaction
Police began their searches of the two properties and arrested Andrew on February 19, his 66th birthday. Thames Valley confirmed on February 24 that their searches had ended. Andrew accused the force of taking personal items in searches of his home.
A Thames Valley police spokesperson 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."
Royal commentator Carole Malone added on today's episode: "Maybe they took his teddy bear away, his famous collection of teddy bears. Yeah, that wouldn't be because he wouldn't want them disturbed.
"What I find astonishing now is that the King has said, 'I'm not going to fund this. If you're going to do this, you do it off your own back, you do it with your own money'. Now that's absolutely the right thing.
"The King has to stand back. However, how is he funding it with his own money?"
Andrew receives an annual stipend – the amount of which has not been disclosed – from Charles's private funds, but a Palace source said it has been made clear that these funds should not be used to fund the judicial review. It is not known whether Andrew will attend the hearing, and no details of his challenge have been confirmed.
