Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince and brother of King Charles, is taking legal action against Thames Valley Police over warrants relating to his arrest in February.
Mountbatten-Windsor, who was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following the publication of the Epstein files, first reported by The Telegraph, submitted a judicial review of search warrants that allowed police to investigate his home at Sandringham Manor and his former residence at the Royal Lodge in Windsor.
“We are taking legal action in relation to warrants previously obtained from the Central Criminal Court,” Thames Valley Police told BBC News. “As these legal proceedings are currently ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”
A special hearing will be held on Thursday to consider Mountbatten-Windsor’s request.
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by Thames Valley Police on February 19, his 66th birthday, in connection with an investigation into a complaint alleging the former prince shared confidential information with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. He was later released under investigation.
Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of her royal title last year over her ties to Epstein and is mentioned and pictured multiple times in the more than 3 million Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice in February. The former prince, who had a long-standing friendship with Epstein and maintained contact with him after he was convicted of procuring children for prostitution in 2008, has previously apologized and denied any wrongdoing.
In a statement following Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, King Charles said: “I have learned with deep concern the news regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the suspicion of misconduct in public office. There is now a full, fair and appropriate process to ensure that this matter is investigated appropriately and by the relevant authorities. As I have said before, we have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation on this matter. Let me be clear: the law must take its course. As such. In the meantime, I will not comment further on this matter.” “It wouldn’t be right. My family and I will continue to serve you all.”