Ex-Prince Andrew is said to be in surprisingly high spirits, despite the turmoil surrounding him. A friend claims he is certain he will one day be exonerated and has taken on the police in a legal fight over the warrants used in his arrest. As a private court hearing approaches on Thursday, this legal fight is drawing fresh attention.
Ex-Prince Andrew is ‘utterly convinced’ he’ll clear his name amid legal fight, claims friend
According to The Sun, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has applied for a judicial review to quash the search warrants that were issued in February. The High Court in London will consider the application in a private hearing soon.
Meanwhile, a friend has described his state of mind to the newspaper. “He seems incredibly buoyant despite everything he has been through and is really upbeat,” the friend said. They went on to say: “He is utterly convinced that one day he will be completely exonerated. He thinks this is the first step towards that.” The friend also described Andrew as living in relative seclusion on the King’s Norfolk estate despite being estranged from other members of the royal family
The warrants stem from Andrew’s February 19 arrest, which took place on his 66th birthday. Thames Valley Police arrested him on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations involving his dealings with Jeffrey Epstein. Police later searched his cottage on the Sandringham estate and his former home, Royal Lodge in Windsor, and removed evidence.
Despite Andrew’s optimism, legal experts, however, are less convinced about this latest challenge. Lawyers quoted by The Sun cast doubt on the case and believe a win may make little difference. Even if the warrants were found to be flawed, police might still keep the evidence. It is also not known whether he will attend Thursday’s hearing.
Finally, there is the question of who pays. The source reports that King Charles is refusing to cover the legal costs of the challenge. Although the King funds his brother’s life, he has made clear that the money is not meant for this case.
