Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Recounts Balaclava-Wearing Stalker Chase at Sandringham Estate

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor told a court he encountered an alleged stalker wearing a balaclava who chased after him near his Sandringham home in Norfolk. The incident occurred on 6 May, and authorities are pursuing both criminal charges and a civil stalking protection order against the suspect, 39-year-old Alex Jenkinson from Stowmarket, Suffolk.

The Encounter

During the Westminster Magistrates' Court hearing, Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram read portions of Mountbatten-Windsor's witness statement describing the confrontation. The former duke said he was walking his dogs on the estate when he spotted a vehicle he believed belonged to press photographers. After driving past the car with his security detail, Mountbatten-Windsor reported that a man wearing a balaclava face covering turned and faced him. He described the individual as "out-of-place" and noted that a loose dog was running nearby. Once the man recognized Mountbatten-Windsor's identity, he began sprinting after the vehicle.

Legal Proceedings

Jenkinson, from Stowmarket, faces two charges: a public order offense for causing the royal to fear unlawful violence, and a second charge relating to threatening, abusive, or insulting behavior connected to another incident involving a man named Stephen Terry in King's Lynn on 5 May. The defendant denies both allegations and is contesting the stalking protection order application. Suffolk Police provided evidence to support their civil application, including phone searches and testimony from Mountbatten-Windsor.

The trial is scheduled to begin on 21 December. Jenkinson, who is currently on conditional bail, faces strict restrictions: he cannot approach Sandringham, Buckingham Palace, Balmoral, Windsor, or Highgrove, and is forbidden from making direct or indirect contact with Mountbatten-Windsor or entering Norfolk.

Court Complications

Thursday's hearing proceeded in Jenkinson's absence after court officials barred him from entering the building because he had brought his dog, Indie. His lawyer, Claire Howell, explained that Jenkinson is homeless and currently residing in temporary hotel accommodation, and that the dog serves as a support animal due to his ADHD. However, Judge Ikram expressed skepticism, noting he would require documentation to corroborate medical claims or support animal certification. Howell subsequently confirmed that temporary accommodation has been arranged where Jenkinson can leave the dog for future court appearances.