King's funding for Andrew not to be used for legal action against police

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has reportedly been told that the private financial support provided to him by King Charles should not be used to fund his legal challenge against Thames Valley Police.

The former Prince Andrew is seeking a judicial review of search warrants used by police ahead of his arrest in February.

A royal source said the King’s private allowance for his younger brother was not intended to pay for the legal action.

King Charles provides financial support to Mountbatten-Windsor and also helps accommodate him on the monarch’s Sandringham estate.

The amount of the allowance has not been disclosed.

Legal Challenge Over Police Search Warrants

Mountbatten-Windsor’s lawyers are understood to be challenging the lawfulness of search warrants used at Sandringham and Royal Lodge in connection with his arrest.

Thames Valley Police has confirmed that it is involved in legal proceedings concerning warrants previously obtained from the Central Criminal Court.

The force has declined to comment further while the proceedings remain ongoing.

A hearing is due to take place on Thursday afternoon as part of Mountbatten-Windsor’s attempt to challenge the warrants.

The initial hearing is expected to take place in private, with a judge first considering a request from police to keep some documents confidential.

King Has Kept His Distance From Legal Battle

Mountbatten-Windsor is no longer a working member of the Royal Family, meaning Buckingham Palace does not speak on his behalf and is not involved in his legal challenge.

When he was arrested, King Charles said that “the law must take its course”, while the Palace has made clear that it is not participating in his legal action.

The financial support for Mountbatten-Windsor formed part of the arrangements surrounding his move from Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Arrest Followed Epstein Revelations

Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following information that emerged from the release of material connected to Jeffrey Epstein in the United States.

He has consistently denied any wrongdoing connected to his association with Epstein.

He subsequently lost his titles as a prince and Duke of York following the controversy surrounding his links to the convicted sex offender.

The latest legal proceedings concern the lawfulness of the police search warrants, rather than establishing whether Mountbatten-Windsor committed any offence.

The case remains ongoing.