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Judge says search warrants used to seize property from former Prince Andrew were unlawful
Thames Valley Police said the ruling does not end its misconduct probe, which centers on allegations Andrew shared sensitive government documents with Jeffrey Epstein.
On Thursday, the High Court and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor agreed that search warrants used to raid two royal properties in February were unlawful, a consensus confirmed by Mr Justice Hilliard at a hearing.
Thames Valley Police arrested Andrew on his 66th birthday following allegations he shared sensitive government information with billionaire Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy.
Accepting the initial court's decision regarding the warrants, police confirmed their investigation into alleged misconduct in public office remains ongoing and they continue to pursue all reasonable lines of enquiry.
Legal proceedings are currently underway to determine how authorities will manage material seized during the searches and whether they can lawfully retain it for the ongoing investigation.
The King stripped his brother of his prince title and dukedom last year following intense scrutiny over his association with the late sex offender, and Andrew was instructed not to use private funds for legal action.