Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor accuses Thames Valley Police of taking 'private and confidential' items during Epstein raid

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026 · last updated 7 October 2026.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has instructed lawyers to quash the search warrants that led to his arrest, alleging that officers removed personal possessions unconnected to the misconduct in public office investigation against him. A High Court hearing before Mr Justice Hilliard is due to take place at 2pm on Thursday. Buckingham Palace has made clear the King's private stipend to Andrew must not be used to fund the legal battle.

Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday in February, held for almost 12 hours, then released under investigation after allegations he passed sensitive trade-envoy information to Jeffrey Epstein.

King Charles stripped Andrew of his princely title and dukedom late last year over his Epstein links, and he now lives on the King's Sandringham estate receiving an undisclosed annual allowance.

The legal challenge is said to be the first by a member of the Royal Family against the lawfulness of criminal proceedings in nearly 400 years.