Former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has accused Thames Valley Police of taking personal items in searches of his home as he takes legal action against the force.

The former Duke of York, who is launching a bid to quash search warrants that led to his arrest, instructed lawyers after discovering officers had allegedly removed “private and confidential material unconnected to the criminal investigation”, Britain’s Daily Telegraph reported on Tuesday (local time).

Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his 66th birthday in February, on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.

The King stripped his younger brother of his right to be a prince and his dukedom over his association with the convicted sex offender.

Mountbatten-Windsor has been granted permission to challenge whether Thames Valley Police acted lawfully over the searches relating to his arrest in February.

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

On Monday, a judicial spokesperson confirmed a private hearing in the former prince’s legal claim was set for Thursday at the High Court, before Mr Justice Hilliard.

Mountbatten-Windsor and Thames Valley Police have been contacted for comment.

-AAP