Friends of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have reportedly urged him to mount a legal challenge against his brother King Charles over the decision to remove his titles and royal status.
Andrew's reputation was left in tatters after it emerged he had continued speaking with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, despite claiming to have cut off contact with him in December 2010. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding his association with the late billionaire.
High Court Ruling Boosts Confidence
Following the revelation, Charles stripped Andrew of his remaining royal titles in the autumn of last year. But Andrew's confidence has reportedly grown in recent days after the High Court ruled warrants used to search his home were unlawful.
Thames Valley Police had used the warrants to raid his former Royal Lodge home in Windsor as well as a property on the Sandringham estate.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
"He remains the son, brother and uncle of future monarchs," a royal source told the Daily Mail. "Most people don’t realise that technically he is still the Duke of York – he still insists on being called 'Sir' and 'Duke' at home. Only an Act of Parliament can extinguish his title."
Disgraced Andrew has been buoyed by a reported stream of "fan mail" being delivered to his new Marsh Farm home on Sandringham Estate. Many of the letters are said to have been opened by his part-time secretary, who sends a formal acknowledgement to the well wishers.
Police Investigation Continues
The criminal investigation against Andrew is ongoing and the items seized in the raids in Norfolk and Berkshire remain with the police while his legal challenge continues. Andrew was arrested by Thames Valley Police last year on suspicion of misconduct in public and questioned for 12 hours.
Another court hearing will take place next year that will decide if police can keep items seized during the searches, which means the ex-prince could remain in limbo for several more months before learning if he will be charged with an offence.
Charles continues to provide his brother with cash, in the form of an annual stipend to help pay for his living costs at his Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate. A Buckingham Palace source said earlier this week it had been made clear that the money should not be used to fund the Judicial Review.
