Ex-Prince Andrew security scare leads to charges after masked confrontation near Sandringham
Police say the suspect wore a balaclava and approached the former royal during a dog walk
A man has been charged with threatening behaviour following an alleged confrontation with the former Prince Andrew near his residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, raising renewed questions over security arrangements around the disgraced royal.
According to Norfolk Police, the incident occurred on the evening of May 6 in the village of Wolferton, close to Marsh Farm, where the 66-year-old former prince now lives. Officers were called shortly after 7:30 p.m. after reports of a man behaving in an intimidating manner.
Police said the suspect, a 39-year-old identified as Alex Jenkinson of Stowmarket, Suffolk, was arrested at the scene after allegedly approaching Andrew while wearing a balaclava. The former royal was reportedly walking his dogs at the time.
Witness accounts reported by The Telegraph claim the man had been sitting in a vehicle before exiting and shouting at Andrew as he came within close distance.
Accompanied by a member of his private security team, Andrew is said to have quickly returned to his car and driven away as the suspect allegedly attempted to follow him on foot.
Jenkinson was initially arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and possession of an offensive weapon before being taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
He has since been charged with two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour intended to cause harassment or distress, as well as failing to provide a specimen of blood while in custody.
He remains in detention ahead of an appearance at Norwich Magistrates Court.
Norfolk Police confirmed the arrest in a statement, noting that officers responded to reports of intimidating behaviour in the area and that the suspect remains in custody.
The incident comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Prince Andrew’s security arrangements after he reportedly lost taxpayer-funded protection in 2022 and saw further financial ties reduced following decisions by King Charles in 2024.
The former prince moved to Marsh Farm in April after leaving Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, amid continued controversy over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.