A High Court judge ruled that police search warrants for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's residences were unlawful, though the investigation into misconduct in public office continues.
Key facts
- •Judge Nicholas Hilliard ruled at London’s High Court that the search warrants for Mountbatten-Windsor’s properties were unlawful.
- •Thames Valley Police accepted that the initial court decision to issue the warrants under the specific legislation was incorrect.
- •The police are currently seeking legal permission to retain items seized during the searches at properties in Sandringham and Windsor.
- •Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
- •The judge indicated that the decision on whether police can keep the seized property will not be settled until next year.
Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has won a legal challenge over police searches of his royal residences after a High Court judge ruled the warrants were unlawful. Judge Nicholas Hilliard revealed on Thursday that Thames Valley Police acknowledged the warrants were issued incorrectly under the specific legislation used. Despite the quashing of the warrants, both the judge and police confirmed that the investigation into the former prince remains ongoing.
Court Ruling and Police Response
Judge Hilliard stated that the fact the warrants were quashed does not end the investigation. He noted that police are applying to retain property seized during the searches, arguing it would be futile to return items if they could be lawfully seized under a new warrant. Thames Valley Police accepted that the initial court decision to issue the warrants was incorrect and confirmed that legal proceedings are ongoing to determine how the seized material will be managed.
Background of the Investigation
Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, was arrested in February on his birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to his ties with the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He was released after several hours of questioning but remains under investigation. The police investigation began following the release of millions of documents by the US Department of Justice relating to Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing and stated he regrets his friendship with Epstein.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Euronews My Europe, Cyprus Mail.
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