Police Cite Royal Permission Delay as Reason to Challenge Search Warrants on Prince Andrew

High Court documents reveal that Thames Valley Police feared evidence could disappear if they had to ask Buckingham Palace for permission before searching Prince Andrew’s home. Detectives told the judge that the property might be argued to belong to the King, necessitating separate legal consent that could delay the operation. Police highlighted the risk that such a delay would frustrate the purpose of the search for documents related to his tenure as Special Representative for Trade and Investment.

Prince Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office after allegations of sharing sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein. He was interviewed under caution, released under investigation and denies wrongdoing. Mr Justice Hilliard noted an agreement that the original warrants were unlawful, yet police now seek to retain the evidence, with a private hearing scheduled for 2027, leaving the former duke in legal limbo.