King Charles's Funds Not for Andrew's Legal Challenge Against Police

King Charles III's financial support for his brother, Prince Andrew, should not be used to fund legal action against the police, according to a royal source. Buckingham Palace stated it is not involved in the Duke of York's ongoing legal battle.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who is no longer a working royal, is seeking a judicial review to challenge the lawfulness of search warrants executed at Sandringham and Royal Lodge in relation to his arrest in February. The Palace no longer speaks on his behalf as he is not a working royal.

The extent of the King's financial contribution to his brother has not been disclosed. However, the funding was reportedly part of an arrangement made when the former Prince Andrew moved from his residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor.

When Prince Andrew was arrested, King Charles indicated that "the law must take its course." The Palace has maintained its distance from the Duke of York's legal efforts.

Lawyers for Mountbatten-Windsor are understood to be questioning the legality of the search warrants obtained by the police. Thames Valley Police have confirmed they are "engaged in legal proceedings in relation to warrants previously obtained from the Central Criminal Court." The force declined to comment further due to the ongoing nature of the proceedings.

Prince Andrew relinquished his military affiliations and royal patronages in January 2022 following accusations related to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He was subsequently stripped of his honorary military titles and royal patronages by Buckingham Palace and Queen Elizabeth II.

A court hearing is scheduled for Thursday afternoon to address the judicial review bid to quash the warrants. The proceedings are expected to begin in private, with an initial request from the police to keep certain documents confidential to be heard by the judge.