Former prince Andrew takes police to court over Epstein files arrest

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, has taken legal action against the police force that arrested him earlier this year, in a case that keeps the fallout from the Epstein files in the headlines.

FORMER PRINCE ANDREW TAKES POLICE TO COURT

Andrew is taking legal action over his arrest in relation to the Epstein files. A court hearing is due after he asked a judge to examine the lawfulness of the search warrants that preceded it. He has lodged a judicial review over warrants executed at his home on the Sandringham Estate and at his former home, Royal Lodge in Windsor, with a hearing expected on Thursday, according to British media.

Thames Valley Police confirmed it was engaged in legal proceedings over warrants previously obtained from the Central Criminal Court, and said it would not comment further while the case continues.

The arrest took place in February. Andrew was detained in Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He turned 66 that day, and the arrest was not linked to the sexual abuse allegations made by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, which he has denied. Instead, emails published by the US Justice Department appeared to show that he forwarded sensitive UK trade visit reports to Epstein while serving as the UK’s special representative for trade and investment.

He was released after 12 hours of questioning, with police saying he remained under investigation. The former prince denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. He has not been charged.

THE ‘DISGRACED’ ANDREW

His standing had already collapsed before the arrest. King Charles stripped him of his royal titles in October 2025, after files released by US House lawmakers revealed details of his ties to Epstein. His detention was the first time in nearly four centuries that a senior British royal had been arrested.

The legal fight may also affect the wider investigation. Investigators have struggled because the US Justice Department has refused to hand over unredacted versions of the Epstein files, and that the High Court in London is reportedly due to hold a private hearing this week on whether to release certain documents linked to his claim. Police have said the investigation will be long and complex, and he has made no public statement since his arrest.

This comes as Prince Harry’s spokesperson slammed paparazzi at kids’ school.