Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has testified in court that he was chased by a man wearing a balaclava near his Norfolk home on the Sandringham estate. The incident occurred on May 6, and Alex Jenkinson, 39, from Stowmarket, Suffolk, has been charged with using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour against Andrew. The revelation came during a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 6, where a statement from Andrew was read aloud.
Chase near Marsh Farm
In his statement, Andrew described walking his dogs on the estate when he noticed a car he assumed belonged to press photographers. His security team drove past the vehicle, and then a man turned to face him, wearing a balaclava. Andrew noted the man seemed 'out of place' and said: 'I then saw a loose dog running towards him. Then he realised who I was and began to sprint after my vehicle.' The confrontation occurred in Wolferton, close to Andrew's Marsh Farm property.
Suffolk Police are also seeking a civil Stalking Protection Order against Jenkinson, based on evidence from Andrew and searches of Jenkinson's phone. Jenkinson is contesting the order, which would restrict his movements near royal residences.
Mental health detention and additional charges
Jenkinson was detained under the Mental Health Act for about a month following the incident. He has pleaded guilty to failing to provide a blood specimen while in custody on May 6. However, he denies the public order offence against Andrew and has also pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence against another man, Stephen Terry, in King's Lynn on May 5.
Andrew is scheduled to give evidence by videolink at the criminal trial set for December 21. Jenkinson is currently on bail with conditions prohibiting him from approaching sites linked to the royal family, including Sandringham, Buckingham Palace, Balmoral, Windsor, and Highgrove. He must not contact Andrew directly or indirectly, approach him, or enter Norfolk.
Courtroom drama over support dog
The hearing took a dramatic turn when Jenkinson was initially blocked from entering the building because he insisted on bringing his dog, Indie. His lawyer, Claire Howell, argued that Jenkinson is homeless and living in a Travelodge, and could not leave the animal unattended. Howell also mentioned that Jenkinson suffers from ADHD, but the judge was not provided with documents to verify the medical condition or the need for a support animal.
Judge Tan Ikram stated: 'We accommodate people who have ADHD and have support animals. I would want something more than he is homeless and happens to have a dog.' The dog was not permitted into the courtroom.
Upcoming hearings
A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for January 22 at Loughborough Magistrates' Court, with a final hearing on February 16 at Westminster Magistrates' Court. The case has drawn significant attention due to Andrew's public profile and the nature of the allegations.
