Thames Valley Police is seeking restrictions on the release of court documents relating to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s legal challenge over search warrants used during the investigation into the former Duke of York, GB News understands.
The force has asked the court to consider the impact of releasing documents relating to the proceedings on the administration of justice, including the proper progress of the criminal investigation.
A High Court hearing on Thursday will consider Thames Valley Police’s position on the release of documents connected to the proceedings.
Proceedings are set to commence behind closed doors, though should the judge be inclined to grant the restrictions, media organisations will be given the opportunity to make representations before any final ruling is issued.
Thames Valley Police is seeking restrictions on the release of court documents relating to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s legal challenge over search warrants used during the investigation into the former Duke of York, GB News understands
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GB News contacted Thames Valley Police for comment regarding this update, and the force responded with its statement released on Monday morning.
It reads: “Whilst our investigation into misconduct in public office continues, we are engaged in legal proceedings in relation to warrants previously obtained from the Central Criminal Court. As these legal proceedings are currently ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”
It was reported on Sunday by the Telegraph that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor had launched judicial review proceedings against the force, targeting warrants that were granted by a judge at the Old Bailey on February 18. Those warrants authorised the subsequent raids on two of his properties.
Officers used those warrants on February 19, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s 66th birthday, to search his home at Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate and his former residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor.
Police officers approach the gates of the Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former residence in Windsor Great Park, February 20, 2026
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Following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, he was transported to Aylsham Police Station, roughly 40 miles from Marsh Farm, where he underwent nearly 12 hours of questioning before being released under investigation. A photograph captured as he departed the station showed him appearing visibly shaken and drained.
Detectives subsequently spent several days combing through both properties, seizing documents and other materials as part of their inquiry.
His legal action marks the first occasion a member of the Royal Family has contested the legality of criminal proceedings brought against them since Charles I faced trial in 1649.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles and removed from Royal Lodge last autumn amid the fallout from his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. He remains the most senior royal to have been arrested in modern British history.
Police officers block access to the church graveyard on February 21, 2026 in Sandringham
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The investigation was triggered by material contained in the Epstein files, which alleged the former duke may have passed sensitive information to Epstein during his decade-long stint as the UK’s trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
Buckingham Palace has not said whether the King was made aware of his brother’s legal action or disclosed who is financing it.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor is the second senior royal in recent years to pursue a judicial review.
In 2024, the Duke of Sussex unsuccessfully challenged the Home Office over its refusal to grant him automatic police protection, a case he ultimately lost.
Thursday’s hearing will determine how much of the current proceedings remains visible to the public.