Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, has won a legal challenge against Thames Valley Police over search warrants used to raid his home after his arrest. The former duke, who was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, launched the challenge over the legality of the warrants, which were issued by a judge at the Old Bailey on February 18.
Legal victory over search warrants
Police arrested King Charles' brother on February 19 and later released him under investigation, the very same day. During this time, police entered Andrew's home in Sandringham and his former Windsor mansion to gather evidence for the investigation. The police force has since accepted that the “initial court’s decision to issue warrants under the specific piece of legislation used was incorrect” before they searched the properties.
Mr Justice Hilliard said on Thursday that while the former Duke of York and Thames Valley Police had reached an “agreement” that the warrants were unlawful, police have launched a bid to retain evidence gathered during the searches in February. Andrew has reportedly opposed this bid, with a private court hearing scheduled for next year.
Andrew's belief in exoneration
Andrew has not been charged with any offences, and the investigation is still ongoing. While Andrew has not publicly commented on his latest win, it is believed he has been throwing all his energy into this legal case. This is reportedly because “he clearly believes he will still be exonerated”, according to Hello! Royal editor Emily Nash.
Speaking on the latest episode of A Right Royal Podcast, she said: “He has maintained throughout that he’s not done anything wrong. And you have to bear in mind that this particular arrest was on suspicion of misconduct in a public office. That’s a very difficult crime to prove. And despite the evidence they’ve gathered, there’s yet to be a charge in this case. He clearly believes he will still be exonerated. And so he’s throwing everything at it.”
Ongoing investigation and low profile
The police have said it is continuing to “pursue all reasonable lines of enquiry to effectively and fairly progress this investigation”. Andrew has been keeping a low profile for most of this year since relocating to a home on King Charles’ private Sandringham Estate. He has been seen very few times driving his car or walking his dogs.
Andrew is not scheduled to attend any major royal events anytime soon and is unlikely to step out with the royals at Christmas this year. Instead, he will likely spend the day alone or with friends.
