Thames Valley Police accepted that warrants used to search Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's homes when he was arrested in February were issued under the wrong law. The judge said the investigation continues.
Thames Valley Police accepted on Thursday that warrants used to search Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's homes at the time of his arrest in February were unlawful, the High Court was told. Mr Justice Hilliard said Mountbatten-Windsor and the police had agreed the warrants were unlawful.
The force said the initial court's decision to issue the warrants under the specific legislation used was incorrect. A later legal challenge found the court should have used a different section of the law, the BBC reported. Items seized in the raids are still held by police.
The judge said quashing the warrants does not end the investigation or make the whole investigation unlawful. Mountbatten-Windsor opposes the police bid to keep the material as evidence. A further hearing on whether it can be used is expected in 2027.
The Washington Post reported that police acknowledged applying for the warrants under the wrong statutory provision, and that the misconduct investigation against the king's brother can continue. The searches included Royal Lodge in Windsor.
Thursday's ruling is about the legal basis of the searches, not a verdict on the underlying allegations. No charge outcome was announced at the hearing.
People Sentiments Mixed
- Thames Valley Police accepted that the warrants were issued under the wrong provision.
- Mr Justice Hilliard said quashing the warrants does not end the investigation.
- Mountbatten-Windsor opposes police keeping the seized material, the judge said.