Hearing to take place after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor takes legal action against police over arrest

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is taking legal action against police over his arrest earlier this year, with a private hearing taking place at the High Court on Thursday.

The former prince was detained on his 66th birthday in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his links to paedophile US financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew has been accused of sharing sensitive information with Epstein while in his role as the UK's trade envoy.

He was interviewed under caution and released under investigation after being held in custody for around 11 hours.

The former prince is now taking legal action against Thames Valley Police in a bid to quash the search warrants which led to his arrest.

A judge at the Old Bailey had issued warrants which allowed police officers to raid Andrew's residence on the Sandringham Estate and his former Windsor home, Royal Lodge.

The Telegraph reported Andrew has been granted permission to challenge whether the force acted lawfully over the searches.

On Monday, a judicial spokesperson confirmed a hearing into Andrew's legal claim is set to take place at 2pm on Thursday at the High Court, before Mr Justice Hilliard.

The spokesperson said the hearing will concern a bid by Thames Valley Police to restrict access to court documents, with the hearing to begin in private.

It is not known whether the former Duke of York will attend the hearing.

Thames Valley Police said in a statement on Monday: "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."

Andrew has denied any wrongdoing over his Epstein links.

Following his release from custody in February, he was pictured slouched in the back of a vehicle as he left Aylsham police station in Norfolk.

The legal definition of misconduct in a public office can include a wide range of conduct - including sharing confidential financial information, financial misconduct, wilful neglect of duty, and sexual misconduct.

It also covers corruption and improper interference, conflict of interest, perverting the course of justice, dishonesty or fraudulent conduct, and misconduct leading to personal gain.

The King last year stripped his brother of both his right to be a prince and his dukedom over his association with Epstein.

(c) Sky News 2026: Hearing to take place after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor takes legal action against police