Prince Andrew Launches Legal Challenge Over Epstein Files Searches
The former Duke of York is challenging the lawfulness of search warrants executed at his former residences in a judicial review.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has initiated a legal challenge against Thames Valley Police and the Old Bailey concerning the search of his homes in connection with the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The judicial review, a process that examines the legality of decisions made by public bodies, seeks to assess whether the search warrants for his former residences at Royal Lodge in Windsor and on the Sandringham Estate were lawful.
In February, police searched Andrew's belongings at Marsh Farm in Norfolk, where he had been residing. The search occurred after materials were published suggesting he may have shared sensitive information with Epstein, who was convicted of sex offenses. The former Duke of York has denied any wrongdoing.
It is understood that Andrew's legal team is arguing that these searches were unlawful. A High Court judge recently granted an application for parts of the review to be kept private, with a hearing scheduled behind closed doors.
This legal action marks a significant event, potentially being the first time a royal has challenged the lawfulness of criminal proceedings in nearly 400 years, since the trial of Charles I in 1649. The arrest, which took place on Andrew's 66th birthday, was reported as the first of a British royal in over 350 years.
Police arrived at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk at 8 a.m. and took the former prince to Aylsham police station, approximately 40 miles away, for questioning. Simultaneously, officers searched Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, a property Andrew had occupied for 22 years.
Andrew had been required to leave Royal Lodge earlier that month due to scrutiny over his association with Epstein. Reports indicated that his brother, King Charles, ordered his eviction following public backlash over photos of Andrew with members of the public. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, was also asked to leave the property.
Andrew was released under investigation 11 hours after his arrest. The searches at Sandringham concluded on the same day as his release, while the Windsor search continued into the following week.
Andrew served as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 to 2011. He stepped down from this role amid controversy surrounding his friendship with Epstein. Emails released as part of the Epstein investigation files suggested that Andrew might have shared confidential information related to his official duties with the financier.