Former prince Andrew allegedly threatened by balaclava-clad man
Martin Evans, Tom Parry And Victoria Region
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was allegedly threatened by a man wearing a balaclava near his new home. Telegram can reveal.
The former prince was walking his dogs near the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk at around 7.30pm on Wednesday (UK time) when a man got out of his car and advanced towards him, shouting at him.
Telegram He understands the man was sitting in his car when he spotted Mountbatten-Windsor about 50 yards (45 meters) away.
The former Duke of York, accompanied by a member of his private security team, ran towards his own car, parked nearby and sped away as the suspect allegedly tried to chase after him.
A man was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and breaching public order.
Telegram It is understood the incident took place on public land in a strip near Sandringham Royal Parkland.
Norfolk Police Service was alerted and officers arrived at the scene, arresting a suspect and questioning him. It was also learned that the police searched the man’s vehicle for any signs of a weapon.
A spokesman for the force said: “Officers were called to Wolferton shortly after 7.30pm on Wednesday following reports of a man behaving in an intimidating manner in the village.
“Officers attended and the man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offense and possession of an offensive weapon. He was taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Center for questioning and remains in custody.”
The incident occurred near Marsh Farm, the property on the Sandringham Estate to which Mountbatten-Windsor moved after leaving the Royal Lodge in Windsor last year.
The former duke is understood to have been shaken and asked to give evidence as a personal protection officer.
There were concerns that he might be exposed to more security threats since moving to the countryside.
In 2024, the King withdrew his personal allowance and special security provision due to attempts to remove his younger brother from the Royal Lodge.
Security has been a critical concern since Mountbatten-Windsor agreed to vacate the property and move to the Sandringham estate late last year.
The Norfolk estate is largely open to the public and offers the former Duke none of the protections he had while inside the wider royal security cordon at Windsor.
In early April, a man and a woman were reportedly seen climbing the outer gate of Marsh Farm and standing on wooden barriers peering over the fence in front of the farmhouse.
When Mountbatten-Windsor’s security team reacted, they set off.
The disgraced royal is said to have built a white mobile home in the grounds of his new Norfolk residence as temporary accommodation for security staff.
Earlier this year workers installed five-foot fencing and CCTV cameras to improve security and privacy of the property. The no-fly zone covering Sandringham Estate has been extended to include Marsh Farm.
Mountbatten-Windsor has not been seen in public since she was photographed in the back of a car following her release from police custody in February. The investigation continues after his arrest on suspicion of abuse of public office.
It is known that he walks the dog alone every day on his new property.
A source said: “This shows why Andrew’s security provisions need to be proportionate and appropriately balanced for someone with such a high profile. Of course, this shows why Andrew’s security needs to be reviewed.”
Telegraph, London
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