Prince Andrew challenges police search warrants in High Court
Prince Andrew has filed a claim in London's High Court to contest the legality of police search warrants executed at his residences, with a hearing set for Thursday.
London – Prince Andrew, formally known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has lodged a claim with the High Court seeking a ruling on whether Thames Valley Police acted lawfully when they searched his homes near Windsor Castle and on the Sandringham estate earlier this year. A judicial spokesperson confirmed the filing and said a hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
The searches followed the prince’s arrest in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, related to allegations that he passed confidential information to the late Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy. He was questioned for 11 hours and then released without charge.
Thames Valley Police said its investigation continues and acknowledged its involvement in the legal challenge to the warrants, but declined further comment while the proceedings are pending.
The allegations first emerged after the U.S. Justice Department released documents linking Epstein to a network of influential individuals. Prince Andrew’s association with Epstein led to his removal from royal duties in 2019 and the loss of his princely title earlier this year. The king issued a statement on the matter, departing from the traditional “never complain, never explain” stance of his mother.