Thames Valley Police said warrants used to search properties linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor must be quashed, while the misconduct investigation continues.
British police said on Thursday that search warrants for properties linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had been issued unlawfully and must be quashed. Thames Valley Police said the investigation into King Charles's younger brother remains ongoing.
Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to his relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein. Searches were carried out at properties in Sandringham and Windsor. He has denied wrongdoing and has said he regrets the friendship.
After a legal challenge, the force said it accepted that the court's decision to issue the warrants under the legislation used was incorrect. A spokesperson said proceedings are ongoing on whether material seized in the searches can be kept for the investigation. At London's High Court, Judge Nicholas Hilliard said the force is applying to keep the property and that the issue will not be settled until next year.
Police said they had not returned material connected to the investigation. The inquiry covers Mountbatten-Windsor's time as a British trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. The offence can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
A Buckingham Palace source told Reuters the former prince had been told that private funds from the king should not be used for the legal challenge. The quashing does not end the investigation.
People Sentiments Mixed
- Thames Valley Police said the warrants were issued incorrectly and must be quashed.
- The force said the misconduct investigation is ongoing.