Prince Andrew pleading for ‘taxpayer safety’ as balaclava incident rattles him
Prince Andrew was reportedly left ‘shaken’ after a man allegedly approached the former Duke of York while he was walking his dogs near his new home on the Sandringham Estate
Andrew was left ‘shaken’ from the alleged incident (Image: AP)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is said to be pleading for the restoration of his taxpayer-funded security following an incident where a man allegedly threatened the former prince near his new home.
The ex-Duke of York had been walking his dogs near his residence on the Sandringham Estate when a “balaclava-clad man” allegedly confronted him on Wednesday evening.
Alex Jenkinson, 39, was detained and charged with two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to harass someone or cause alarm or distress. The individual was also charged with failing to provide a specimen of blood in custody. Andrew was said to be left rattled, though physically unharmed, by the alleged encounter and desires his private security protection to be restored.
While Andrew had his royal titles and privileges removed at the end of 2025, King Charles withdrew his personal allowance and private security back in 2024.
The former prince does maintain a private security team but a source close to Andrew allegedly stated his protection should be reassessed, the Mirror reports.
The source said: “Even though Andrew is no longer a working member of the Royal Family, the threat to his personal safety is greater than ever. In fact, it could be argued that he is actually more at risk, not only from a potential terror attack but also from individuals who have become fixated due to all of the coverage he has attracted over recent years.”
The source added: “His security provisions need to be appropriate for someone with such a high profile. There should be a review, which gives proper consideration to Andrew.”
Norfolk Police, in a statement on Wednesday said, a man was charged after officers were called to the scene in Wolferton. It added: “Officers were called shortly after 7.30pm yesterday (Wednesday) following a report a man was behaving in an intimidating manner in the village.
“Officers attended, and the man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and possession of an offensive weapon. He was taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre for questioning.”
Police added that the suspect has been remanded in custody and is expected to appear in court on Friday. The development follows the release of photographs uncovering a mobile home positioned on Andrew’s new March Farm property. The caravan is understood to have been installed to accommodate the former Duke’s security personnel.
The caravan represents a dramatic contrast to the 30-bedroom Royal Lodge mansion Andrew occupied with former wife Sarah Ferguson for two decades. Andrew was evicted from Royal Lodge, in Windsor, and relocated to the private Sandringham Estate earlier this year.
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