Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor – formerly Prince Andrew – has been lying low ever since his close association with Jeffrey Epstein and subsequent disastrous BBC interview obliterated his already shaky reputation.
After being stripped of his titles and home in October 2025, things came to a dramatic head on Feb. 19 when he was arrested by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Andrew was taken to a police station and interrogated for over 11 hours, while cops searched his current and former residences.
We are now around eight months on and, while the investigation remains active, no criminal charges have been filed. Now, as per a report in The Guardian, Andrew is striking back.
The Andrew formerly known as Prince retaliates
Andrew has launched legal action against Thames Valley Police that will challenge the legality of the search warrants that led to his arrest and interrogation. His lawyers will appear in court in London to argue their case on Thursday, with the battle stemming from an Old Bailey judge issuing warrants that gave the green light for cops to swoop on his Sandringham home and the Windsor Royal Lodge.
The report notes that this represents the first time a member of the Royal family has challenged the legality of criminal proceedings against them since King Charles I in 1649. In that case, King Charles I first lost his legal challenge and, subsequently, his head.
Andrew will not face an executioner’s axe, but if charges are eventually brought, the potential sentence is no laughing matter. The Chronicle quotes Marcus Johnstone, managing director of PCD Solicitors, who said at the high end he may be facing a decade behind bars, though he added: “It must be noted that cases involving government ministers or trade envoys charged with misconduct in public office are extremely rare, and there is no real guidance as to the expected sentence. Although an investigation is now taking place,” he added, “we are still a long way away from a potential prosecution.”
Thames Valley Police have released a terse comment on the application, though underlined that the investigation is still underway: “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.”
The case continues, though we should know more when Andrew’s legal team and the Thames Valley Police lawyers clash in court later this week.
Published: Oct 5, 2026 05:32 am