UK police accept ex-prince Andrew search warrants were unlawful

Thames Valley Police stated that the initial court's decision to issue warrants under the specific piece of legislation used was incorrect, leading to the requirement for them to be quashed. The searches were carried out at properties in Sandringham and Windsor in February.

Prince Andrew, 66, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, linked to his relationship with the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The US Department of Justice had published documents suggesting he forwarded confidential information to Epstein in 2010.

Items seized during the raids, including documents and electronic devices, will remain in police custody while Prince Andrew's legal challenge over this material continues. His lawyers are using a judicial review to challenge the actions of the force's chief constable and the Central Criminal Court.