King refuses to fund Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's legal fight against police over Epstein raid searches

From the Newshound archive · first published 5 October 2026 · last updated 6 October 2026.

King Charles has made clear that his private allowance to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor must not be used to bankroll the disgraced former duke's judicial review against Thames Valley Police. Andrew is challenging the lawfulness of search warrants that allowed officers to raid his Sandringham cottage and Royal Lodge on his 66th birthday in February, with a private High Court hearing before Mr Justice Hilliard due on Thursday. A Palace source stressed Buckingham Palace has no role in determining the legal strategy and that the defence is entirely a matter for Andrew and his lawyers. The King, who said at the time of the arrest that 'the law must take its course', stripped his brother of his princely titles and dukedom over his Epstein links last October.

Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office after US Epstein files alleged he shared sensitive information with the paedophile financier while serving as the UK's trade envoy.

Thames Valley Police has applied to keep documents in the case secret, sparking a secrecy row that a senior judge will rule on at Thursday's hearing.

Andrew's challenge is reportedly a 400-year first — the last royal to contest criminal proceedings against them was King Charles I in 1649.