Former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor wins court battle over police search warrants
A UK court has ruled that police search warrants used against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were unlawful. While the warrants were quashed, police are seeking to retain the evidence gathered during the investigation into his past conduct as a trade commissioner.
Why it matters
The case highlights legal tensions regarding police powers and the protection of privacy, even in high-profile investigations involving former public officials.
Police have accepted warrants they used to search Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's homes in England earlier this year were unlawful, after the former prince won a court battle on Thursday.
The King's brother launched legal action against Thames Valley Police over the warrants, which were executed on his 66th birthday in February.
Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal titles last year, was arrested the same day but has not been charged. He has always maintained his innocence.
Police are investigating allegations of misconduct in public office, relating to his time as a UK trade commissioner between 2001 and 2011.
Their probe was sparked by documents made public in the Epstein files.
In London on Thursday, local time, the High Court heard there were legal issues with the way a judge at The Old Bailey granted the warrants.
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