Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Challenges Police Search Warrants in High Court

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, has filed for a judicial review in the High Court to challenge the legality of search warrants used by Thames Valley Police during his arrest in February. The warrants, issued by the Central Criminal Court on February 18, 2026, allowed police to raid his residence on the Sandringham Estate and his former home, Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The investigation follows the release of U.S. documents suggesting he shared sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. While he has denied all wrongdoing, police expanded the probe in May to include allegations of sexual misconduct.

A private hearing is scheduled for Thursday before Mr Justice Hilliard to determine if the warrants were lawful and to consider a bid by Thames Valley Police to restrict public access to court documents. This legal action marks the first time a member of the royal family has challenged the lawfulness of criminal proceedings since 1649.

Although the monarch provides Mountbatten-Windsor with a private source of income, he has banned his brother from using royal funds to finance this specific legal challenge. Thames Valley Police confirmed that their investigation into misconduct in public office continues.