Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor filed a judicial review on 26 March 2026, challenging warrants that were granted by the Old Bailey on 18 February 2026 to search his Windsor and Sandringham residences. The hearing is set for Thursday in a private session of the High Court, a move that could finally halt the police’ legal authority to continue the seizure of evidence.
The review follows the ex‑prince’s arrest on 19 February 2026 on allegations of misconduct in public office linked to former U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein. He was released the same day after hours of interrogation, but the investigation remains active and he continues to deny any wrongdoing.
This is the first time in modern Britain that a royal family member has contested the lawfulness of criminal proceedings against them since the trial of Charles I in 1649, marking a historic legal precedent. The case examines whether the warrants, issued by a judge at the Central Criminal Court, complied with procedural requirements.
Thames Valley Police stated that the investigation into misconduct in public office continues and that legal proceedings on the warrants are ongoing. They added that commenting further would be inappropriate until the court’s decision.
If the High Court quashes the warrants, the police would lose the legal basis to keep seized items, potentially weakening the broader Epstein‑related inquiry that has already seen Andrew stripped of his royal titles and considered for removal from the line of succession.