High Court Quashes Unlawful Search Warrants for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor successfully challenged the lawfulness of police search warrants used in a misconduct investigation involving Jeffrey Epstein, though the criminal probe remains ongoing.
The High Court ruled on October 8, 2026, that search warrants used by Thames Valley Police to raid the residences of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were unlawful. Mr. Justice Hilliard quashed the warrants, which had been issued on February 18 by the Recorder of London, after the police admitted they were sought under the wrong statutory provision. The raids targeted Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor, and a property on the Sandringham Estate.
Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal titles in November 2025, is under investigation for suspected misconduct in public office. Authorities allege that during his tenure as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011, he shared sensitive information and confidential briefing notes regarding Afghanistan and various Asian countries with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor strenuously denies any wrongdoing and has initiated a broader legal challenge contesting the lawfulness of his February arrest, during which he was detained for 11 hours.
While the warrants are void, Mr. Justice Hilliard clarified that the ruling does not end the criminal investigation. Thames Valley Police have applied to retain seized electronic and documentary material, arguing the seizure would have been lawful under a different provision. A hearing to determine the fate of this evidence is scheduled for next year.
Separately, Mountbatten-Windsor received £302,000 in compensation from the Crown Estate after surrendering his lease to Royal Lodge. He now resides at Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate following public outcry and the release of U.S. Department of Justice files regarding Epstein.
