Thames Valley Police accepted that warrants used to search properties linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were issued unlawfully. The misconduct investigation continues, and a fight over seized material is set for 2027.
British police said on Thursday that search warrants used on properties linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had been issued unlawfully and must be quashed. Reuters reported that Thames Valley Police accepted the legal error after Mountbatten-Windsor challenged the warrants used around his arrest in February.
A police spokesperson said the initial court's decision to issue the warrants under the specific legislation used was incorrect. The force said legal proceedings are still deciding how seized material will be managed and whether it can lawfully be kept for the investigation.
At the High Court, Mr Justice Nicholas Hilliard said the force was applying to keep the seized property and that Mountbatten-Windsor opposed that. Reuters said the issue would not be settled until next year. The BBC reported a further hearing is expected in 2027.
Hilliard said quashing the warrants does not end the investigation or make the whole investigation unlawful, the BBC reported. Police said they had not returned material other than items not connected to the inquiry. Mountbatten-Windsor has not made a public comment since his arrest, Reuters said.
The new development is the court's finding on the warrants, not a decision on guilt. The misconduct investigation remains open.
People Sentiments Mixed
- Thames Valley Police said the warrants were issued incorrectly and must be quashed.
- Mr Justice Hilliard said the investigation does not end because the warrants were quashed.