Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is mounting a legal challenge against Thames Valley Police over the search warrants that led to his arrest, with a private High Court hearing scheduled for Thursday, according to a judicial spokesperson.
The former prince was arrested earlier this year on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, after allegations he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.
The Telegraph has previously reported that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has been granted permission to contest whether Thames Valley Police acted lawfully when carrying out the searches linked to his arrest in February.
The warrants were issued by a judge at the Old Bailey, authorising police to search Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s residence on the Sandringham Estate as well as his former Windsor home, Royal Lodge.
A judicial spokesperson said the High Court is due to hear Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s claim at 2pm on Thursday.
According to the spokesperson, the session will address an application by Thames Valley Police to limit access to court documents, and proceedings will begin in private.
Whether Mr Mountbatten-Windsor will attend the hearing has not been confirmed.
He was arrested on 19 February, questioned under caution, and later released under investigation.
Misconduct in public office is a broad offence in law and can encompass conduct such as sharing confidential financial information, financial misconduct, wilful neglect of duty, and sexual misconduct.
The definition can also extend to corruption and improper interference, conflicts of interest, perverting the course of justice, dishonesty or fraudulent conduct, and misconduct carried out for personal gain.
Late last year, Britain’s King Charles removed his brother’s right to be a prince and stripped him of his dukedom because of his association with Epstein.
