Former Prince Andrew sues the police after his arrest in the Epstein case

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has launched legal proceedings against Thames Valley Police, challenging the legality of his arrest and the search warrants issued as part of the investigation into the Epstein files. The application is being considered by the High Court of England, where a closed hearing is scheduled to take place this week.

The former Duke of York is seeking judicial review of the warrants that allowed police officers to search his home on the Sandringham estate and his former residence, Royal Lodge, in Windsor. Andrew was arrested in February, on the day he turned 66, and questioned for nearly 12 hours on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was subsequently released but remained under investigation.

The investigation was launched after the publication of material suggesting that he may have sent Jeffrey Epstein information about official visits and a note concerning investment opportunities in Afghanistan. Thames Valley Police is also examining allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct.

The investigation could be delayed after the U.S. Department of Justice refused to hand over the unredacted version of the Epstein files. King Charles said that the law must take its course. Mountbatten-Windsor is the most senior member of the British royal family to have been arrested in the modern era.