Andrew 'incredibly buoyant' as he launches legal bid over police search warrants
Andrew 'incredibly buoyant' as he launches legal bid over police search warrants
Dorothy Reddin Tue, October 6, 2026 at 10:56 AM UTC
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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor | Source: GETTY
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is seeking judicial review of the warrants deployed during his February arrest, and those close to him say his spirits are remarkably high.
The former prince's application to have the warrants, granted at the Old Bailey in February, quashed will go before a private High Court hearing in London on Thursday.
A friend of the King's brother, who has been ostracised by the Royal Family and now lives in seclusion on the Norfolk estate, said: "He seems incredibly buoyant despite everything he has been through and is really upbeat."
They continued to tell the Sun: "He is utterly convinced that one day he will be completely exonerated. He thinks this is the first step towards that."
Thames Valley Police arrested Mr Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations that he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy. The arrest took place on February 19, which was also his 66th birthday.
He was released under investigation after 12 hours of questioning, and has strongly and consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Detectives raided the cottage where he resides on the King's Sandringham estate. Officers also conducted searches lasting six days at Royal Lodge in Windsor, his former residence, from which evidence was seized.
It was these police operations, and the warrants that authorised them, that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor is now seeking to challenge through judicial review.
Andrew | Source: REUTERS
His challenge to the lawfulness of the search warrants makes the case an extraordinary development for the modern monarchy.
Whether the former Duke of York will be present at Thursday's private hearing remains unclear.
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The case represents uncharted legal territory for the modern monarchy, with no precedent in nearly four centuries for a royal figure contesting the lawfulness of police action taken against them through the courts.
Despite Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's optimism, legal experts have expressed scepticism about the practical significance of the challenge.
Royal Lodge | Source: GETTY
Legal experts have questioned how much practical impact a successful challenge would have, with the admissibility of evidence obtained during the searches potentially becoming a separate issue.
Adding to his difficulties, a Palace source told GB News on Monday that King Charles has declined to finance the legal action.
Though the monarch continues to fund his brother's day-to-day existence, he has drawn a firm line: none of that financial support is to be directed towards this court challenge.
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King’s money will not be used to fund Andrew’s legal action against police
Andrew arrest | Source: GETTY
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor must therefore find alternative means to bankroll what he believes will be his path to vindication.
On Monday, a Thames Valley Police spokesman told GB News: "Whilst our investigation into misconduct in public office continues, we are engaged in legal proceedings in relation to warrants previously obtained from the Central Criminal Court.
“As these legal proceedings are currently ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”
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