Thames Valley Police admit UNLAWFUL raids on Andrew's homes but fight to keep seized evidence

From the Newshound archive · first published 8 October 2026 · last updated 9 October 2026.

Thames Valley Police used the wrong section of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act when obtaining warrants to raid Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's homes in February, Mr Justice Hilliard confirmed at the High Court on Thursday. Officers seized documentary material and electronic devices from his Sandringham residence and Royal Lodge during the raids, carried out on Andrew's 66th birthday after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The warrants were formally quashed in July, but kept secret until now by a police-requested privacy order. A private hearing in 2027 will determine whether the evidence can be lawfully retained.

Andrew opposes police retaining the seized material, leaving him in limbo for months before learning if he will be charged.

Lawyer Mark Stephens said the ruling 'opens a door' for Andrew's team to 'chisel away' at the fruits of the unlawful search.

The Epstein-linked misconduct investigation remains fully active — the judge ruled quashing the warrants 'does not bring an investigation to an end.'