Allies of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have reportedly drawn comparisons between the former Duke of York’s arrest and the treatment of the late Lord Brittan during Operation Midland, as Andrew’s legal challenge against the police reaches the High Court.
Andrew is taking legal action against Thames Valley Police and the Central Criminal Court over the lawfulness of search warrants that allowed officers to raid his residence on the Sandringham Estate and his former home, Royal Lodge, in February.
The first hearing in his challenge against Thames Valley Police is due to take place at the High Court today.
The legal action comes amid growing scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding the police investigation and the searches of Andrew’s properties. His allies have reportedly questioned the way he has been treated and have raised comparisons with the controversial handling of allegations against Lord Brittan during Operation Midland.
However, the comparison reflects the views of Andrew’s supporters and should not be taken as an established finding by the court.
At the same time, the case has reportedly exposed tensions surrounding Andrew’s finances and his relationship with King Charles.
Following reports that Andrew was taking legal action against the police, sources moved to clarify that the King is “absolutely not funding” his brother’s legal challenge.
The reported intervention has added another layer to the dispute, with questions surrounding how Andrew’s legal costs will be met as his challenge progresses.
The King has previously been reported to have taken a firm position on providing financial support to his brother. Sources have stressed that Andrew’s legal action is separate from the Royal Family and is not being funded by the monarch.
The High Court hearing could now provide greater clarity over Andrew’s challenge to the search warrants and the legal basis on which they were issued, while the dispute over his funding arrangements highlights the increasingly separate position he occupies within the Royal Family.
For now, the allegations made by Andrew’s allies remain claims, and the court will ultimately determine whether the police action and search warrants were lawful.