Ex-prince Andrew taking police to court over arrest

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is taking legal action against Thames Valley Police in a bid to quash search warrants which led to his arrest, with a private High Court hearing to take place on Thursday, a judicial spokesperson has said.

The former prince was arrested on his 66th birthday earlier this year on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as the UK's trade envoy.

The Telegraph previously reported that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has been granted permission to challenge whether Thames Valley Police acted lawfully over the searches relating to his arrest in February.

A judge at the Old Bailey issued warrants which allowed police to raid Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's residence on the Sandringham Estate and his former Windsor home, Royal Lodge.

A judicial spokesperson confirmed that a hearing in Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's legal claim is due to take place at 2pm on Thursday at the High Court.

The spokesperson said the hearing will concern a bid by Thames Valley Police to restrict access to court documents, with the hearing to begin in private.

It is not known whether Mr Mountbatten-Windsor will attend the hearing.

He was arrested on 19 February and interviewed under caution before being released under investigation.

The legal definition of misconduct in a public office can include a wide range of conduct - including sharing confidential financial information, financial misconduct, wilful neglect of duty, and sexual misconduct.

It also covers corruption and improper interference, conflict of interest, perverting the course of justice, dishonesty or fraudulent conduct, and misconduct leading to personal gain.

Late last year, Britain's King Charles stripped his brother of both his right to be a prince and his dukedom over his association with Epstein.