Former Duke of York claims police unlawfully took items from his home
Last updated 28 minutes ago
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly the Duke of York, is taking legal action against Thames Valley Police over the search of his properties earlier this year, according to The Telegraph.
Accusing the force of unlawfully removing “private and confidential material” unrelated to the investigation, Andrew seeks to quash the warrants which led to his arrest.
He was detained on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, allegedly for sharing sensitive information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his stint as the UK’s trade envoy.
Following these allegations, the King stripped Andrew of his titles as prince and duke late last year.
Now residing on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, Andrew was interviewed under caution before being released under investigation on February 19.
The searches at his Sandringham residence and former Windsor home, Royal Lodge, began on the same day, concluding on February 24.
The High Court has scheduled a private hearing this Thursday at 2pm to address whether the police acted lawfully during the searches.
Andrew has been advised not to use the King’s private funds to finance the legal challenge.
Though he receives an undisclosed annual stipend from King Charles, palace sources insist this money should not go towards the judicial review.
It comes as a Bentley once owned by Andrew has appeared for sale at a Yorkshire dealership.
The racing green Bentley Flying Spur, notable for Andrew’s “DOY” personalised plates and used during high-profile family events, is listed for £124,975.
Thames Valley Police declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings, saying, “It would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”