Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has initiated legal proceedings against Thames Valley Police to overturn search warrants that resulted in his arrest. A private hearing has been scheduled for Thursday at the High Court, according to a judicial spokesperson.
The former Duke of York was detained on his 66th birthday earlier this year on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This followed allegations that he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as the UK’s trade envoy.
Warrants issued by a judge at the Old Bailey authorised police searches of Andrew’s residences at the Sandringham Estate and his former Windsor home, Royal Lodge.
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The upcoming hearing, set for 2pm before Mr Justice Hilliard, will address Thames Valley Police’s attempt to restrict access to certain court documents and will be conducted in private. It remains unclear if Andrew will be present.
Since his arrest on 19 February, Andrew was interviewed under caution and subsequently released under investigation.
Misconduct in public office, the charge under consideration, encompasses various offences such as sharing confidential information, financial misconduct, wilful neglect of duty, sexual misconduct, corruption, improper interference, conflicts of interest, perverting the course of justice, dishonesty, fraudulent conduct, and misconduct resulting in personal gain.
In a significant move last year, the King removed Andrew’s royal titles, including his right to be a prince and his dukedom, citing his association with Epstein.