Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor handed compensation over Royal Lodge repair bill

LONDON, Oct 9 — Disgraced ex-prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor secured a legal victory over unlawful police searches of his royal residences, according to a High Court judge's disclosure. However, the court still needs to determine whether the police can retain the items seized during the raids, as both the judge and police emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.

King Charles III's sibling was apprehended on his 66th birthday in February, suspected of misconduct in public office due to his ties to the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He was released later that day after hours of questioning but remains under investigation. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Thames Valley Police (TVP) conducted searches at his former homes in Windsor and Sandringham.

In a recent development, Andrew initiated a legal challenge questioning the legality of the warrants. Judge Nicholas Hilliard confirmed that the police acknowledged the warrants were unlawful, but stressed that this does not automatically end the investigation or deem it unlawful. The judge will decide, "in due course," whether police can retain the seized property based on a new warrant.

The police confirmed they accept the court's decision to quash the warrants initially issued and that the ongoing investigation will decide the management of the seized items. Royal commentator Andrew Lownie noted that the ruling could provide a morale boost for Andrew, who has been embroiled in scandal since one of Epstein's accusers claimed he trafficked her when she was a teenager.