Breaking: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor launches legal action over Epstein files arrest

Posted Mon 5 Oct 2026 at 6:39pmMon 5 Oct 2026 at 6:39pm, updated Mon 5 Oct 2026 at 6:51pmMon 5 Oct 2026 at 6:51pmAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in February on his 66th birthday. (Reuters: Phil Noble)Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is taking legal action against the police over his arrest in relation to the Epstein files earlier this year.Britain's judicial office said a court hearing would take place on Thursday ​after the former prince and brother of King Charles requested that a judge examine ‌the lawfulness ⁠of search warrants that preceded his arrest ​in ‌February.Britain's Thames ‌Valley Police confirmed they were ⁠engaged in legal proceedings in relation to the issuing of warrants. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of leaking government documents to the late ​sex ‌offender Jeffrey Epstein when he was ⁠a special ‌representative for trade ‌between 2001 and 2011.It is the first time a member of the royal family has challenged the lawfulness of criminal proceedings against them since King Charles I's trial in 1649.The arrest of the senior royal, eighth in line to the throne, was also unprecedented in modern times.Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at his Norfolk home in February this year on suspicion of misconduct in public office.King Charles's younger brother was interviewed for almost 12 hours before he was released under investigation.The focus of the inquiry is the former prince's role as a special representative for trade and investment between 2001 and 2011.It followed the release of millions of documents by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) relating to the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.In the glut of files was several emails that appeared to show Mr Mountbatten-Windsor forwarded on sensitive materials to Epstein in 2010.Being named in the Epstein files is not an indication of misconduct, but trade envoys are required to maintain confidentiality over sensitive, commercial or political information related to their work.The second son of the late Queen Elizabeth has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and said he regretted their friendship.He has made no public statement since his arrest.ABC/Reuters