LONDON, Oct 5 — Disgraced ex-prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has launched a legal challenge over search warrants for his royal homes issued before his February arrest, Britain’s judiciary confirmed Monday, in an unprecedented royal move in modern times.

The judiciary confirmed the High Court was to hold a private hearing on Thursday, as King Charles III’s brother challenges Thames Valley Police over the searches in Windsor, west of London, and Sandringham, eastern England.

The force arrested Andrew on his 66th birthday on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his links to late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew was released the same day after hours of police questioning, but remained under investigation. He has denied all wrongdoing in his associations with the American financier.