Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Taking Legal Action Against Police Over Search Warrants in Arrest

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince and King Charles’ brother, is taking legal action against the Thames Valley Police over search warrants relating to his February arrest.

As first reported by The Telegraph, Mountbatten-Windsor — who was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office after the release of the Epstein files — has submitted a judicial review regarding the search warrants that allowed the police to investigate his Sandringham Estate home and former residence at the Royal Lodge in Windsor.

“We are engaged in legal proceedings in relation to warrants previously obtained from the Central Criminal Court,” the Thames Valley Police confirmed to BBC News. “As these legal proceedings are currently ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”

A private court hearing will be held on Thursday to consider Mountbatten-Windsor’s request.

Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by the Thames Valley Police on Feb. 19, his 66th birthday, in relation to their investigation into a a complaint that alleged the former prince had shared confidential material with the late, disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. He was later released under investigation.

Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal title last year over his ties to Epstein, and was mentioned and pictured many times in the over 3 million pages of the Epstein files, which were released by the U.S. Department of Justice in February. The former prince, who had a longtime friendship with Epstein and maintained contact with him after his 2008 conviction of procuring a child for prostitution, has previously apologized and denied any wrongdoing.

In a statement following Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, King Charles said: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”