Police accept warrants in Mountbatten-Windsor searches were unlawful

Thames Valley Police has accepted that search warrants used at two properties linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were unlawful, but the force says its investigation into alleged misconduct in public office is continuing. A separate court hearing is expected in 2027 to decide whether police can retain material seized in the searches. The agreement was heard at the High Court on October 8. Mr Justice Hilliard said a significant error in the application and grant of the warrants meant the warrants, searches and material seized were unlawful. The warrants were used in February at Mountbatten-Windsor’s residence on the Sandringham Estate and his former Windsor home, Royal Lodge. Thames Valley Police accepted that the court had used the wrong legal basis when issuing the warrants. The force said the agreement concerned that legal decision and did not determine the validity of its ongoing investigation. It also said it had supplied the court with necessary information and followed the correct processes. Police are seeking to retain material seized during the searches in support of the investigation.