Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has begun legal proceedings against Thames Valley Police, challenging the lawfulness of search warrants used in the investigation that led to his arrest in February.
The former Prince Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following the emergence of information about his dealings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
His lawyers are challenging warrants that allowed police to search his residences at Sandringham and Royal Lodge in Windsor, according to the Telegraph.
The legal challenge comes as King Charles continues to provide financial support for his younger brother and accommodate him on the Sandringham estate.
However, a royal source has said the King’s private financial support should not be used to fund Mountbatten-Windsor’s legal action against Thames Valley Police, but can he stop Andrew?
The former prince is seeking a judicial review of the warrants issued ahead of his arrest. It has not been disclosed how much financial support the King provides to his brother, but the arrangement was reportedly part of the terms agreed when Mountbatten-Windsor left Royal Lodge.
The allowance does not come from the Sovereign Grant, which provides £138 million in public funding for the monarchy. Instead, it is understood to come from the King’s private wealth, including income from the Duchy of Lancaster, private estates, investments and inheritances.
Thames Valley Police has confirmed it is “engaged in legal proceedings in relation to warrants previously obtained from the Central Criminal Court”.
It added: “As these legal proceedings are currently ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”
Mountbatten-Windsor, who lost his titles as a prince and Duke of York over his connections to the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, wants a judicial review to consider the legality of the search warrants.
A court hearing on Thursday afternoon will be part of Mountbatten-Windsor’s bid to quash the warrants.