Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — the former Prince Andrew — is taking legal action against the U.K.’s Thames Valley Police in connection with his arrest this past February.
Andrew’s lawyers filed for a judicial review to determine the lawfulness of search warrants that allowed police to search his home on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk and his former residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor, the U.K.’s Telegraph newspaper reported on Monday, October 5.
“We are engaged in legal proceedings in relation to warrants previously obtained from the Central Criminal Court,” a Thames Valley Police spokesperson told the BBC on Monday. “As these legal proceedings are currently ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”
Per The Telegraph, Andrew is the first member of the royal family to challenge the “lawfulness of criminal proceedings against them since the trial of Charles I in 1649.”
Andrew was arrested on February 19 — his 66th birthday — on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said in a statement at the time, “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 offense,” he continued. “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Andrew’s arrest came just weeks after the Thames Valley Police confirmed to the BBC that it was assessing allegations that the former prince had shared confidential information with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a U.K. trade envoy, a role he held between 2001 and 2011.
Andrew’s legal challenge comes one year after Buckingham Palace announced that his brother, King Charles III, was stripping the former Duke of York of his royal style, titles and honors amid scrutiny over sexual assault allegations and his association with Epstein. Andrew has always maintained his innocence and denied any wrongdoing.
“Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence,” the palace said in an October 2025 statement. “Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation. These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.”
Following Andrew’s arrest in February, Charles, 77, said, “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 cooperation.”
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” the king continued. “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.”
