Prince Andrew, the former Duke of York, filed a judicial review against Thames Valley Police on 20 March 2024, challenging the validity of the warrants that enabled raids on his Sandringham Estate and Royal Lodge. The case stems from a February 2024 arrest on his 66th birthday at Marsh Farm, Norfolk, where he was held for nearly twelve hours on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The High Court judge, Sir Thomas Ewing, approved the review after an application by Andrew’s legal team, marking the first time a member of the Royal family has contested criminal proceedings since Charles I in 1649. A private hearing is scheduled for 28 March, with the court poised to decide whether certain court documents tied to the Epstein files should be disclosed.
The investigation began after the release of Epstein files that alleged Andrew had shared confidential trade‑mission reports with the convicted sex offender. Police seized documents from Marsh Farm and Royal Lodge, but the U.S. Department of Justice has refused to release unredacted versions, delaying the case.
The legal challenge focuses on whether the warrants, granted by an Old Bailey judge following Thames Valley Police’s application, were issued lawfully. If the court rules in Andrew’s favour, it could force a review of the police’s enforcement tactics and potentially expose new evidence.
King Charles has expressed concern over the allegations, stating that "the law must take its course." The move has drawn criticism from senior police figures, who argue that the arrest should have been handled differently.
The next week’s hearing will determine the court’s stance on document disclosure, setting a precedent for how the Royal family may engage with law‑enforcement actions in the future.