Buckingham Palace says it will not fund Andrew’s legal action against police

Former Duke of York is attempting to quash search warrants that led to his arrest in February

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been warned not to use the king’s private money to fund his legal action against Thames Valley police.

Mountbatten-Windsor receives an annual stipend – the amount of which has not been disclosed – provided by King Charles from his private funds, but a palace source told reporters it had been made clear this should not be used to fund the judicial review.

The late queen’s second son was arrested on his 66th birthday earlier this year on suspicion of misconduct in public office, after allegations he had shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.

A judge at the Old Bailey issued warrants that allowed police to raid his residence on the Sandringham estate and his former Windsor home, Royal Lodge.

When Andrew was arrested on 19 February, the king issued a written statement saying “the law must take its course”.

Police began their searches of the properties on the same day, with the force confirming on 24 February that they had ended.

A Thames Valley police spokesperson said: “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.