Ex-Prince Andrew accuses Thames Valley Police of taking private gadgets in house searches
The former Duke of York is launching a bid to quash search warrants which led to his arrest after allegedly discovering officers removed ‘private and confidential material’, his lawyers claim
Andrew is taking legal action against the police force, it has been reported(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has alleged that Thames Valley Police seized personal belongings during raids on his residence as he launches legal proceedings against the force, according to reports.
The former Duke of York, who is mounting a challenge to overturn search warrants that resulted in his arrest, enlisted solicitors after allegedly discovering that officers had taken “private and confidential material unconnected to the criminal investigation”, the Telegraph reports.
Andrew was detained on his 66th birthday earlier this year on suspicion of misconduct in public office following claims he disclosed sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor seen leaving police custody after his arrest on February 19(Image: Getty Images)
The King removed his brother’s princely status and dukedom late last year due to his links with the convicted paedophile.
Andrew has been granted leave to contest whether Thames Valley Police operated within the law regarding the searches connected to his February arrest.
A judge at the Old Bailey authorised warrants that permitted officers to search Andrew’s property on the Sandringham estate and his previous Windsor residence, Royal Lodge.
Andrew leaves Aylsham Police Station in a vehicle on the day he was arrested(Image: REUTERS)
On Monday, a judicial spokesman confirmed that a private hearing in Andrew’s legal challenge is scheduled for 2pm on Thursday at the High Court, before Mr Justice Hilliard.
Thames Valley Police confirmed it faced a legal challenge over the search warrants: “We are engaged in legal proceedings in relation to warrants previously obtained from the Central Criminal Court.”
It added: “As these legal proceedings are currently ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”
Thames Valley Police’s investigation into Mountbatten-Windsor is continuing.
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