Court rules searches of Prince Andrew's homes unlawful

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 15:55 · Archive

The High Court has ruled that search warrants for two of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's properties were unlawful.

The High Court has ruled that search warrants used to raid two properties linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were unlawful. Mr Justice Hilliard confirmed that an agreement had been reached between Mountbatten-Windsor and Thames Valley Police on the matter. The former Duke of York had brought a legal challenge against Thames Valley Police over warrants issued by a judge at the Old Bailey.

The warrants, issued on 18 February, allowed officers to search Mountbatten-Windsor's residence on the Sandringham Estate and his former Windsor home, Royal Lodge. The judge who granted them had done so on the basis that the items sought were not covered by legal privilege or classed as special procedure material. Special procedure material includes material held by someone who acquired or created it through work, a profession, business or public office, and who is expected to keep it confidential.

However, Mr Justice Hilliard stated that quashing the search warrants does not bring the investigation to an end or mean that the whole investigation was unlawful. The criminal investigation into alleged misconduct in public office therefore continues.

How it is being reported

• Court rules searches of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s properties were unlawfulSearch warrants used to raid two properties linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were unlawful, the High Court has heard.Worcester News · 8 Oct, 15:17
• Court rules searches of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s properties were unlawfulSearch warrants used to raid two properties linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were unlawful, the High Court has heard.Malvern Gazette · 8 Oct, 15:17

In this story: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor · Thames Valley Police · Sandringham Estate · Royal Lodge · Old Bailey

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