Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has launched a legal challenge to search warrants used by Thames Valley Police during the investigation that led to his arrest in February.
The Judicial Office confirmed on Monday 5 October that a High Court hearing will take place on Thursday. The proceedings concern warrants authorising searches, rather than a determination of the allegations being investigated.
What the challenge concerns
The warrants were issued by an Old Bailey judge and allowed officers to search Andrew’s residence on the Sandringham estate and his former home, Royal Lodge, in Windsor.
The Daily Telegraph first reported the challenge and said Andrew had been granted permission to seek judicial review of the searches. Permission to bring a challenge does not establish that the warrants were unlawful.
Thursday’s hearing concerns court documents
A judicial spokesperson said the hearing would begin in private and address Thames Valley Police’s application to restrict access to court documents, according to Reuters.
Sky News reported that it is scheduled for 2pm on Thursday 8 October before Mr Justice Hilliard.
The announced purpose of that hearing should not be confused with a final ruling on the lawfulness of the warrants.
Police investigation continues
Andrew was arrested on 19 February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, questioned under caution, and released under investigation.
The allegations concern whether he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy. Andrew has previously denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. The allegations have not been established by a conviction.
Thames Valley Police said its misconduct investigation remains ongoing and confirmed that it is involved in legal proceedings concerning warrants obtained from the Central Criminal Court. The force declined further comment while those proceedings continue.
