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Former Prince Andrew’s Search Warrants Quashed: Legal Victory Amid Ongoing Probe
By Drooid · · How we work
Court Ruling on Search Warrants
On October 8 2026, High Court Justice Nicholas Hilliard recorded that Thames Valley Police’s warrants to search two of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s residences were unlawful. The judge said a “significant error” had been made in the application and the parties agreed to invalidate the warrants. The ruling does not end the criminal investigation, and a separate hearing on the police’s request to retain seized material is scheduled for 2027.
Background to the Investigation
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, was arrested on February 19 2026—his 66th birthday—on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest followed the U.S. Department of Justice’s release of Jeffrey Epstein files that suggested the former prince may have shared confidential government information while serving as the United Kingdom’s special representative for international trade and investment (2001-2011). He was questioned for 11 hours, released without charge, and remains under investigation.
Legal Basis of the Warrants
The warrants were issued under Section 8 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, which requires the judge to be satisfied that the material sought is not subject to legal privilege or “special-procedure” protection. The court found that the correct statutory route was Section 9, which governs access to such protected material. As Justice Hilliard explained, “It is agreed that a lawful warrant could only have been issued if the criteria under different provisions…had been met.”
Ongoing Investigation and Evidence Retention
Thames Valley Police acknowledged the error and reiterated that the investigation continues. Police are seeking a separate order to retain documentary material and electronic devices seized during the February raids, arguing that the evidence may still be probative.
Verbatim Quotes
- “the fact that the search warrants were quashed does not bring an investigation to an end, or mean that the whole of the investigation was unlawful.” — Judge Nicholas Hilliard
- “The judge will make that decision based on whether or not it’s likely to be probative,” — Mark Stephens, attorney
Timeline
- February 18 2026 – Warrants granted by the Central Criminal Court.
- February 19 2026 – Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested; police search Sandringham and Royal Lodge.
- July 22 2026 – Police acknowledge the warrants were unlawful; High Court quashes them.
- October 8 2026 – Justice Hilliard records the agreement and issues a 10-page order; investigation continues.
- 2027 – Planned private hearing on police application to retain seized material.
The quashing of the warrants marks a procedural win for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, but the broader probe into his alleged misuse of official information and his connections to Jeffrey Epstein remains active, with the fate of the seized evidence yet to be decided.