Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has launched legal action against Thames Valley Police over his arrest.
The former Duke of York was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on his 66th birthday in February amid his links to the Epstein Files and he has now lodged a judicial review to determine whether the force’s actions were lawful.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Andrew wants a judge to examine the search warrants which allowed police to raid both his former residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor, and his property on the Sandringham Estate.
The former prince sought permission to judicially review the decision earlier this year and it was subsequently granted by a High Court judge.
A private hearing will take place at the High Court later this week to determine whether to release certain court documents relating to the judicial review.
Andrew’s action marks the first time a member of the royal family has made such a challenge over the lawfulness of criminal proceedings since Charles I’s trial in 1649.
The suspicion of misconduct in public office allegation relates to material in the Epstein Files which suggested the former prince – who was formally stripped of his Prince title and HRH style in November 2025 because of the scandal – had shared sensitive information with financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.
It was alleged that when Andrew served as the UK’s trade envoy between 2001 and 2011, he had forwarded reports to Epstein about his visits to Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Vietnam, as well as sending him a confidential briefing note on investment opportunities in Afghanistan.
Following Andrew’s arrest, King Charles, his older brother, subsequently insisted that the “law must take its course”.
The 77-year-old monarch said in a statement: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.
“As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
Oliver Wright, the Assistant Chief Constable at Thames Valley Police, also released a statement.
He said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.
“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Andrew has denied any wrongdoing.
