King’s allowance for Andrew should not fund warrant challenge, royal source says

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has filed a High Court claim challenging search warrants linked to his arrest in February. A judicial spokesperson confirmed the claim, and Thames Valley Police confirmed it is in legal proceedings over warrants obtained from the Central Criminal Court. [4] [1]

Press Association reports that the warrants authorised searches of his residence on the Sandringham Estate and his former Windsor home, Royal Lodge. It says he is seeking to have the warrants quashed. The Telegraph reported that a judge had granted him permission to challenge the warrant decision by judicial review; that step is not a ruling that the searches were unlawful. [3] [2]

A hearing before Mr Justice Hilliard is scheduled for 2pm on Thursday 8 October. According to a judicial spokesperson, it will consider the police force’s request to restrict access to court documents and will begin in private. The request has not been decided in the announced hearing. [3]

Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on 19 February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, questioned and released under investigation. Press Association says the arrest followed allegations that he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy. He has denied wrongdoing in his associations with Epstein. Thames Valley Police says its investigation is continuing. [3] [1]

Update

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been told that his allowance from King Charles should not be used to pay for his legal action against Thames Valley Police, BBC News reports. An unnamed royal source said the King’s financial support should not go towards Andrew’s judicial review. The BBC did not report that the allowance had been withdrawn. [6]