Andrew taking legal action police over search warrants

Callum Parke | October 5, 2026

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is taking legal action against Thames Valley Police in a bid to quash search warrants which led to his arrest, with a private High Court hearing to take place.

The former Duke of York was arrested on his 66th birthday earlier in 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.

The Telegraph previously reported that Andrew has been granted permission to challenge whether Thames Valley Police acted lawfully over the searches relating to his arrest in February.

A judge at the Old Bailey issued warrants which allowed police to raid Andrew’s residence on the Sandringham Estate and his former Windsor home, Royal Lodge.

On Monday, a judicial spokesperson confirmed that a hearing in Andrew’s legal claim is due to take place on Thursday at the High Court.

The spokesperson said the hearing would concern a bid by Thames Valley Police to restrict access to court documents, with the hearing to begin in private.

It is not known whether Andrew will attend the hearing.

Andrew was arrested on February 19 and interviewed under caution before being released under investigation. 

Police began their searches of the properties on the same day, with the force confirming on February 24 that they had ended. 

The legal definition of misconduct in a public office can include a wide range of conduct, including sharing confidential financial information, financial misconduct, wilful neglect of duty, and sexual misconduct.

It also covers corruption and improper interference, conflict of interest, perverting the course of justice, dishonesty or fraudulent conduct, and misconduct leading to personal gain.

In late 2025, the King stripped his brother of both his right to be a prince and his dukedom over his association with Epstein.

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said on Monday: “Whilst our investigation into misconduct in public office continues, we are engaged in legal proceedings in relation to warrants previously obtained from the Central Criminal Court. 

“As these legal proceedings are currently ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”