Thames Valley Police has applied to keep details of a legal claim by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor secret.
The former Duke of York is taking legal action against the force in a bid to quash search warrants which led to his arrest, with a private High Court hearing due to take place on Thursday at 2pm before Mr Justice Hilliard.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his time as the UK’s trade envoy. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has always strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
The High Court will consider a bid by the force to restrict access to certain documents. Thames Valley Police will set out its position on the potential impact releasing these documents could have on its criminal investigation.
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson told The Independent: “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.”
A judge at the Old Bailey issued warrants which allowed police to raid the former duke’s residence on the Sandringham Estate and his former Windsor home, Royal Lodge.
It is not known whether Mr Mountbatten Windsor will attend the hearing.
The former Duke of York was interviewed under caution following his arrest on 19 February before being released under investigation. Police began their searches of the properties on the same day, with the force confirming on 24 February that they had ended.
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 stripped his brother of both his right to be a prince and his dukedom over his association with Epstein in October last year.
The Independent has contacted Buckingham Palace and Mr Mountbatten-Windsor for comment.
