Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has alleged that a man wearing a balaclava chased after him during an incident on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk earlier this year, a court heard Thursday. Alex Jenkinson, 39, faces charges of using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour towards the former Duke of York on May 6.
At Westminster magistrates’ court, Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram read excerpts from Andrew’s witness statement describing the encounter. According to the statement, the former duke was walking his dogs near his Marsh Farm property when he noticed a car he believed belonged to press photographers. As he and his security detail passed the vehicle, a man wearing a balaclava turned toward Andrew and appeared to be confronted by a loose dog. Recognizing Andrew, the man then sprinted after the vehicle, the statement said.
Jenkinson, who also faces a charge related to threatening behaviour against another man, Stephen Terry, in King’s Lynn on May 5, did not attend the hearing. His lawyer, Claire Howell, explained that Jenkinson, who is homeless and currently residing in a Travelodge, brought his dog to court as it provides him with support related to an alleged diagnosis of ADHD. The judge did not allow the dog inside, citing lack of medical documentation to substantiate the claim.
Suffolk Police are seeking a civil Stalking Protection Order (SPO) against Jenkinson, who has been subject to an interim SPO, restricting him from approaching Sandringham, Buckingham Palace, Balmoral, Windsor, Highgrove, or contacting Andrew directly or indirectly. The deputy chief magistrate ordered that Andrew, Terry, and a witness to the Norfolk incident must provide evidence again during a hearing to determine the full SPO.
Evidence retrieved from Jenkinson’s phone, including alleged online searches for Andrew, Sandringham, and "weapons," is expected to be presented during the criminal trial scheduled for December 21. Jenkinson has pleaded not guilty to the public order offences and denies stalking Andrew. He did admit to failing to provide a blood specimen while in custody on the day of the incident. Following his detention under the Mental Health Act for nearly a month, he remains on bail.
Security around Andrew has been a matter of concern since he vacated Royal Lodge and relocated to Sandringham last year. The largely public-accessible Norfolk estate offers fewer protective measures compared with his previous residence at Windsor, especially after King Charles removed his royal titles, honours, personal allowance, and private security last year over his association with the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Separately, Andrew was arrested earlier this year on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to allegations from his time as the UK’s trade envoy. He denies any wrongdoing and has not been formally charged. Further hearings related to the stalking case are set for January 22 and February 16 at Loughborough and Westminster magistrates’ courts, respectively.