A London court ruled on Thursday that search warrants executed at the residences of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were unlawful, following an admission by Thames Valley Police that the authorizations had been improperly obtained.
The 66-year-old, younger brother of King Charles III, was arrested on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The searches targeted properties in Sandringham, in eastern England, and at Windsor Castle.
Authorities were investigating allegations that Andrew, who served as the UK’s trade representative between 2001 and 2011, leaked confidential government documents to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has denied any wrongdoing regarding his association with Epstein, though he has expressed regret over their friendship.
Mountbatten-Windsor had applied for the warrants to be quashed. In response, a spokesperson for Thames Valley Police stated: “We accept the position that the initial court’s decision to issue warrants under the specific piece of legislation used was incorrect and therefore these must be legally quashed.”
The police force confirmed that while the warrants are void, criminal proceedings regarding the handling of evidence seized during the raids are still underway. Investigators are determining whether material taken from the properties can be lawfully retained to support the continuing probe, which was initiated after the US Department of Justice released millions of documents related to Epstein.
The arrest of the former royal has triggered one of the most significant crises for the British monarchy in nine decades.
Interesting how they still plan to use the seized evidence despite the warrants being unlawful. Sounds like a legal loophole to me.
Important reminder that police procedures matter, regardless of who is involved. The rule of law applies to everyone.