Police feared King could block raids on Andrew's homes

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 22:08 · Archive

Police worried King Charles might be invoked to stop searches at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's properties.

Thames Valley Police feared Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could attempt to block searches at his properties by claiming officers must obtain permission from the King, according to legal documents in his High Court battle against the force.

Before raiding Sandringham and his former Windsor home, Royal Lodge, in February, police obtained warrants from an Old Bailey judge. They told the judge they were concerned Andrew or his lawyers could say 'that the property belongs to someone else (the King) and that separate legal permission should be sought'. The force worried that seeking such consent from Buckingham Palace would delay the searches and risk evidence being lost.

Andrew challenged the warrants, and Thames Valley Police has acknowledged they were unlawful. Documents from the ongoing High Court proceedings show detectives had been searching for 'paperwork, diaries, business records or other documentary evidence' relating to Andrew's time as UK trade envoy. The ex-Duke of York was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein. He was released under investigation and denies wrongdoing.

How it is being reported

• Police feared Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor would try to block searches at his homesThames Valley Police acknowledged search warrants used to raid Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's homes were unlawful - court documents revealed the force feared they could have lost evidence if they asked the Palace firstThe Mirror · 15 Oct, 21:44
• Police feared King could step in to halt raid on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's homes, legal documents revealDocuments obtained by the Daily Mail reveal police were worried King Charles could be asked to stop their swoops on the homes of his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.Daily Mail · 15 Oct, 17:18

In this story: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor · King Charles · Thames Valley Police · Jeffrey Epstein · Buckingham Palace · Royal Lodge · Sandringham

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