Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Takes Legal Action Over Arrest Search Warrants on Thursday
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's legal challenge against Thames Valley Police over search warrants used in the investigation following his February arrest will come before a court on Thursday afternoon, with his lawyers seeking a judicial review of warrants used to search properties in Sandringham and Windsor.
The initial proceedings will be held in private, with the court expected to first consider a police request to keep some documents connected to the warrants confidential.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that it is involved in legal proceedings concerning warrants previously obtained from the Central Criminal Court, but said it would not comment further while the case is ongoing.
Challenge to search warrants
The warrants were issued by a judge at the Central Criminal Court on 18 February, one day before Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
His legal challenge is directed against the chief constable of Thames Valley Police and the Central Criminal Court.
Police subsequently searched properties associated with Mountbatten-Windsor, including Marsh Farm in Sandringham and Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate.
The legal action seeks to challenge the basis on which those searches were authorised.
A judicial review examines whether a public decision or process was lawful. The court is not being asked simply to determine whether Mountbatten-Windsor is guilty or innocent of the underlying allegations.
Arrest followed Epstein revelations
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his 66th birthday in February as police investigated information connected to the files relating to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The investigation followed the release of material by the US Department of Justice.
Among the material were emails relating to Mountbatten-Windsor's contacts with Epstein and others, including correspondence dating from a period when he was serving as the UK's trade envoy.
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied wrongdoing in connection with his association with Epstein.
Police investigation continues
Thames Valley Police has said its investigation remains ongoing.
The force has previously confirmed that it has been working with the US Department of Justice to obtain information that could be relevant to its inquiries.
Detectives have also said allegations of sexual misconduct could be considered as part of the wider investigation into potential misconduct in public office.
No finding of criminal liability has been made against Mountbatten-Windsor in relation to the investigation.
He was released under investigation following his arrest.
A significant legal challenge
The judicial review directly challenges the police process used to obtain the search warrants.
The initial hearing is expected to focus on procedural and confidentiality issues before the substance of the challenge is considered.
The outcome could determine whether the warrants remain in place or are quashed, and may have implications for material obtained through the searches.
The police investigation continues alongside Mountbatten-Windsor's legal challenge.
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