Ex-prince Andrew warrants ruled 'unlawful' as police investigation continues
According to British media reports, it is the first time a member of the royal family has challenged the legality of criminal proceedings since the trial of Charles I in 1649.
Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has secured a legal victory in a recent court ruling, which declared that police searches of his royal residences were unlawful, according to a High Court judge. The judge, Nicholas Hilliard, disclosed this on Thursday, emphasizing that the fact of the search warrants being invalidated does not automatically conclude the ongoing investigation. Thames Valley Police (TVP) maintains their pursuit of the investigation, as revealed by both the judge and police sources.
Hilliard stated that he would consider the police's request in due course, concerning a potential legal application to retain property obtained under the unlawful warrant, should it be deemed lawful to seize the property through a new warrant. He explained that handing back the property might be pointless if it could still be lawfully seized under another provision.
The police acknowledged the initial court's decision to issue the warrants under the specific legislation as incorrect, leading to the quashing of these warrants. Prince Andrew was arrested in February, on his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, allegedly linked to his connections with the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
He was released the same day after several hours of questioning but remains under investigation. Despite denying any wrongdoing related to Epstein, the police continue to probe the case.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor wins legal challenge over police raids dailytimes.com.pk
