UK’s ex-prince Andrew gets US$399,000 compensation on his mansion lease

A London judge has quashed search warrants obtained by Thames Valley Police for properties linked to Prince Andrew, ruling they were issued unlawfully due to a "significant error" by the police. The police have accepted this legal error, agreeing the warrants were not properly granted under the specific legislation used. However, the High Court Justice stated that the quashing of these warrants does not end the ongoing investigation into the former royal. Prince Andrew remains under investigation for alleged misconduct in public office related to his links with Jeffrey Epstein. Legal proceedings are underway to determine the management and retention of any material seized during the searches.

British police have stated that search warrants obtained for properties linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were issued unlawfully and must be quashed. The investigation into the 66-year-old, King Charles' younger brother, remains ongoing. Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, a matter connected to his relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein. Searches were conducted at properties in Sandringham, eastern England, and other locations. The police acknowledged the unlawful nature of the warrants, but confirmed the investigation continues.

A High Court judge has ruled that search warrants used in raids connected to Prince Andrew were unlawful. The former prince brought a judicial review challenging the legality of Thames Valley police's actions and the central criminal court's decision to grant the warrants. Mr Justice Hilliard stated that Thames Valley police conceded they obtained the search powers under the incorrect statutory provision, leading to the warrants being quashed. Prince Andrew was arrested on February 19th, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following information from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. While the warrants are voided, police are seeking to retain seized property under a different statutory provision. The judge clarified that quashing the warrants does not end the investigation.

Buckingham Palace has stated that King Charles's private funds will not be used to finance the legal action brought by his brother, Prince Andrew, the former Duke of York. Andrew is seeking to quash search warrants that led to his arrest in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office. A private High Court hearing is scheduled for Thursday to address these legal challenges. A palace source clarified that Andrew's legal defense is his responsibility and that Buckingham Palace has no involvement in its strategy. The investigation concerns allegations that Andrew shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley Police conducted searches of Andrew's properties following the arrest.

Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is challenging Thames Valley Police in a London High Court over search warrants obtained for his former homes on royal estates. A private hearing is scheduled for Thursday to address his application for a judicial review to quash these warrants, which were issued on February 18, 2026. The police also have an application to restrict access to court documents related to the case. Prince Andrew was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, stemming from allegations of sharing sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein. He was released the same day and denies wrongdoing. The investigation into misconduct in public office is ongoing.

Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is initiating legal action against Thames Valley police to challenge the lawfulness of search warrants that led to his arrest. A private High Court hearing is scheduled for Thursday to review his application for judicial review, which was approved by a judge. The former Duke of York will contest the legality of warrants that authorized police to search his properties at Sandringham and Royal Lodge. His arrest in February was on suspicion of misconduct in public office, related to allegations of sharing sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein. The article notes King Charles stripped his brother of his royal titles late last year due to his association with Epstein.