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Legal documents have revealed that Thames Valley Police were concerned Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor might attempt to prevent officers from entering his home at Sandringham by claiming the property belonged to the King. Senior police officials feared that the King’s brother could argue the residence was not his personal property, which would necessitate obtaining additional legal authorization before any search could proceed. Such a delay, the force warned, could jeopardize the retention of crucial evidence.
The circumstances surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest in February have come to light through these legal filings, following a police request to the Central Criminal Court for warrants to search two of his properties: Wood Farm in Sandringham and Royal Lodge in Windsor. The documents explain that police anticipated potential resistance from Mountbatten-Windsor or his legal team, who might insist on seeing judicial approval before allowing entry. Officers were particularly worried that the Sandringham Estate’s linkage to King Charles might be invoked to slow the process, interfering with the search’s objectives. Concerns also included the possibility that no one would be present at the homes and that media attention would be drawn to the police presence if entry was delayed.
During their warrant application, the police outlined the types of materials they expected to find, including paperwork, diaries, business records, and electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers. These items were sought to investigate Mountbatten-Windsor’s activities during his tenure as the UK’s Special Representative for Trade and Investment, especially following the release of FBI material tying him to Jeffrey Epstein. The police suspected that Mountbatten-Windsor might have communicated with Epstein regarding investment opportunities and forwarded official reports linked to his trade envoy work in several Asian countries. The documents also mention claims that he may have suggested investment opportunities to Epstein and held meetings with a private investment firm in that context.
Following a High Court hearing earlier this month, Thames Valley Police conceded that the search warrants used in the raids on Mountbatten-Windsor’s homes were issued unlawfully. His legal team had successfully challenged the police actions and the decision of the Central Criminal Court through a judicial review. The court had originally granted warrants under section eight of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, but a subsequent challenge established that warrants should have been issued under section nine. Despite this, seized items remain in police possession, with another hearing scheduled in 2027 to determine their admissibility as evidence. The investigation into Mountbatten-Windsor remains active, with a High Court judge affirming that the invalid warrants do not bring the probe to a close or render it unlawful
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