Thames Valley Police accepted that warrants used to search Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's homes were issued under the wrong law. The misconduct investigation continues, and a hearing on seized material is expected in 2027.
Thames Valley Police told London's High Court on Thursday that search warrants used at homes linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were unlawful and must be quashed. The force said the court that issued them had used the wrong section of the law. Mr Justice Hilliard said the former prince and the police had agreed on that point.
The searches followed Andrew's arrest in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, a case police have linked to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. He denies wrongdoing. Reuters reported that he has previously said he regrets the friendship.
Quashing the warrants does not end the investigation. Hilliard said the fact the warrants were quashed does not mean the whole investigation is unlawful. Police are asking to keep material seized in the raids. Andrew opposes that application.
The judge said the dispute over the seized items is not expected to be decided until a further hearing in 2027. Thames Valley Police said it had returned only material it did not consider connected to the investigation.
The ruling is a legal setback on the warrants, not a finding on the underlying allegation. No charge decision was reported on Thursday.
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- Mr Justice Hilliard said quashing the warrants does not end the investigation or make the whole inquiry unlawful.
- Thames Valley Police said the court used the wrong legislation and that the warrants must be quashed.