The search warrants that allowed officers to raid Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s home earlier this year were ‘unlawful’, the ex-prince and Thames Valley Police have agreed.
Search warrants which led to the arrest of the former Duke of York were quashed by a High Court judge at the Royal Courts of Justice today.
Justice Hilliard said this ‘does not bring an investigation to an end,or mean that the whole of the investigation was unlawful’.
Thames Valley Police said their investigation remains ongoing.
Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday following allegations that he shared sensitive information with billionaire paedophile Epstein.
The force has since said they could investigate allegations of sexual misconduct against the former prince, who has consistently denied wrongdoing.
It emerged this week that Andrew was challenging the warrants that allowed officers to raid his temporary Sandringham home, Wood Farm, and the Royal Lodge, where Andrew had lived for more than two decades.
At a High Court hearing today, Justice Hilliard said that ‘agreement was reached between the claimant and Thames Valley Police that the search warrants were unlawful’.
He said that officers ‘took possession of documentary material and electronic devices’ during the search.
In a statement, a Thames Valley Police spokesperson confirmed the arrest warrants had been quashed.
They added: ‘The agreement that led to the quashing of the warrants relates specifically to a decision made by the court regarding the legal basis for these and is not a judgement on our ongoing investigation.
‘We ensured the court was presented with all the necessary information and paperwork to inform their decision, following the correct legal processes throughout.
‘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.
‘Legal proceedings are currently ongoing to decide how material seized during the searches will be managed and whether we can lawfully retain it in support of our ongoing investigation.
‘Our investigation into alleged misconduct in public office by a man in his 60s from Norfolk remains ongoing, and we continue to pursue all reasonable lines of enquiry to effectively and fairly progress this investigation.
‘Due to these ongoing legal proceedings, we cannot currently provide further comment.’
The King stripped his brother of his titles over the scandal but was giving him a stipend. However, Andrew has reportedly been told that money is not for the legal battle with police.
Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
This is a breaking news story and is being updated.
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