Prince Andrew sues police over arrest lawfulness
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has launched a judicial review challenging the lawfulness of his February arrest and the police search warrants.
The former Prince Andrew was arrested in February on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was driven 60 kilometres to Aylsham Police Station and questioned for almost 12 hours, then released under investigation.
Thames Valley Police had searched his homes on the Sandringham Estate and Royal Lodge, removing documents. Mountbatten-Windsor's legal team now argues the search warrants granted by an Old Bailey judge were unlawful.
A High Court judge has already approved permission for the judicial review, with a private hearing scheduled to determine which court documents can be released. This is the first time a member of the royal family has challenged the lawfulness of criminal proceedings since King Charles I's trial in 1649.
- 66 years old
- Age at arrest
- 60 kilometres
- Distance to police station
- Almost 12 hours
- Questioning duration
- 1649, King Charles I
- Last royal precedent
Why it mattersThe case could determine whether evidence gathered during the search is admissible, potentially derailing the investigation into whether he shared confidential government information with Jeffrey Epstein when trade envoy.
AustraliaAn Australian outlet is covering this significant UK legal development, though it has no direct effect on Australian law or policy.
Corroborated byperthnow.com.au·thenightly.com.au
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