Overview
- Judge Nicholas Hilliard said a significant error was made when the warrants were sought and issued, which the court said is enough to render the warrants, the searches and the seized material unlawful.
- Thames Valley Police accepted the court’s finding but said the decision does not end its inquiry into suspected misconduct in public office and that it is exploring legal ways to keep the seized items.
- The searches took place at Sandringham and Windsor during Andrew’s arrest on February 19 and the High Court previously annulled the perquisitions in July.
- A sealed hearing to decide whether police can lawfully retain the seized material is scheduled not before 2027 and Andrew opposes the force’s request to keep the evidence.
- The case grows out of allegations tied to Jeffrey Epstein, includes claims that Andrew passed confidential economic documents to Epstein while a trade envoy, and has already damaged his standing with the royal household since 2025.