Former Prince Andrew proved the illegality of the search in his home

Thames Valley Police have admitted that they illegally searched the home of former Prince Andrew, the younger brother of Britain's King Charles III. BBC News reports this.

During the court hearing, law enforcement officials agreed that the search warrant was issued unlawfully. This may result in the seized evidence being unable to be used to prove Andrew's guilt. A decision on this matter is expected to be made in 2027.

Andrew is challenging the legality of the arrest and search that occurred in February 2026. The reason for his arrest was suspicion that he was passing on confidential documents to pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew categorically denies guilt, admitting only the fact of meeting Epstein, which, according to him, he regrets.

The search warrants were issued by the Central Criminal Court on February 18, the day before the arrest. Andrew was detained on his birthday, interrogated for almost 12 hours, and then released. Police also conducted a six-day search at his former residence Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Andrew's lawsuit against the police marks the first time in nearly 400 years that a member of the royal family has challenged the legality of a criminal prosecution against him. The last time this happened was in 1649, when King Charles I was tried. The court found him guilty and sentenced him to death. On January 30, 1649, Charles I's head was cut off.