Andrew challenges police over Epstein arrest

LONDON: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has launched legal proceedings against police in England, challenging the legality of his arrest earlier this year over suspected misconduct in public office linked to revelations surrounding Jeffrey Epstein.

The 66-year-old has applied for a judicial review concerning search warrants used by Thames Valley Police at properties associated with him, including his residence at the Sandringham estate and his former home at Royal Lodge in Windsor.

A court hearing on the matter is expected on Thursday, according to British media reports.

Thames Valley Police confirmed that it was involved in legal proceedings concerning warrants previously authorised by the Central Criminal Court. The force declined to provide further details while the case remains before the courts.

Andrew was arrested on February 19 at his home on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. He was taken to a police station in Aylsham, where he was questioned for almost 12 hours before being released under investigation.

No charges have been brought against him, while the police investigation remains ongoing.

The arrest followed a police assessment into whether Andrew had passed confidential information to Epstein during his time serving as a UK trade envoy. Andrew has strongly denied wrongdoing and has also rejected claims that he personally benefited from his former role.

The legal action adds another chapter to the long-running controversy surrounding Andrew’s relationship with Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender.

Andrew stepped back from royal duties in 2019 following intense criticism over his association with Epstein and a widely criticised television interview.

His position within the royal family came under further pressure after the publication of material concerning Epstein. In 2025, King Charles removed Andrew’s prince title following renewed public scrutiny.

Andrew has consistently denied allegations of misconduct connected to Epstein. He has also denied claims made by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s prominent accusers, who alleged that Andrew sexually assaulted her when she was a teenager.

Giuffre, who died by suicide in April 2025 at the age of 41, had accused Andrew of sexual misconduct. Andrew denied the allegations and said he had never met her.