Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Describes Balaclava Encounter Near Sandringham Estate

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor came face-to-face with an alleged stalker wearing a balaclava who sprinted after his vehicle near his Norfolk residence, a court has heard. Alex Jenkinson, 39, from Stowmarket, Suffolk, is accused of causing the former Duke of York to fear unlawful violence during an incident in Wolferton on 6 May. Following a hearing on Thursday at Westminster Magistrates' Court, Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram ruled that Mountbatten-Windsor will be required to give evidence regarding the confrontation.

What Is Happening

Legal proceedings against Alex Jenkinson advanced at Westminster Magistrates' Court, detailing a confrontation close to Mountbatten-Windsor's Marsh Farm property on the Sandringham estate. Jenkinson faces a public order charge of using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of unlawful violence against Mountbatten-Windsor on 6 May. He is also charged with a similar public order offence involving a second man, Stephen Terry, in King's Lynn on 5 May, and is contesting a civil Stalking Protection Order application made by Suffolk Police.

The Background

Mountbatten-Windsor relocated to Marsh Farm in Wolferton after vacating Royal Lodge in Windsor earlier in 2026. His move followed the withdrawal of his royal titles, honours, and official security details by the King in 2025 due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Unlike heavily guarded royal residences, the Sandringham estate includes areas accessible to the public, which has heightened focus on physical security arrangements around his current home.

The Latest Development

During Thursday's hearing, Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram read extracts from Mountbatten-Windsor's witness statement detailing the encounter. Mountbatten-Windsor stated that while walking his dogs, he noticed a vehicle he initially presumed belonged to press photographers. After passing the car, a man wearing a balaclava face covering turned toward him, noticed who he was, and sprinted after his vehicle alongside a loose dog.

Jenkinson was absent from the courtroom after being refused entry by court security because he arrived with his dog, Indie. Defence lawyer Claire Howell explained that Jenkinson is currently homeless, staying in a Travelodge where dogs are not permitted, and relies on the animal for support with ADHD. Judge Ikram declined to allow the dog inside without official medical documentation, though Howell noted temporary accommodation had since been arranged so the dog could be left safely during future appearances.

The court also reviewed details of the police investigation, which identified searches on Jenkinson's mobile phone for Mountbatten-Windsor, Sandringham, and weapons. Following his arrest on 6 May, Jenkinson was detained under the Mental Health Act for approximately one month. He has already pleaded guilty to failing to provide a blood specimen while in custody, but maintains not guilty pleas to the public order charges.

What It Means

The proceedings require Mountbatten-Windsor to participate directly in two separate legal processes. He is scheduled to give evidence via videolink during Jenkinson's criminal trial, which is set for 21 December. Additionally, Judge Ikram ruled that Mountbatten-Windsor, Stephen Terry, and an eyewitness must give evidence to allow cross-examination during the civil Stalking Protection Order proceedings, emphasizing that fairness demands the defence be permitted to question key witnesses directly.

Jenkinson remains on conditional bail prohibiting him from entering Norfolk or approaching within distance of Sandringham, Buckingham Palace, Balmoral, Windsor, or Highgrove. He is also barred from contacting Mountbatten-Windsor directly or indirectly.

What Remains Unclear

While the schedule for the criminal trial is fixed for December, the timeline for the civil Stalking Protection Order involves further steps. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled at Loughborough Magistrates' Court on 22 January 2027, followed by a full hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 16 February 2027. The full outcome of both the criminal charges and the civil protection order application will depend on the testimony presented during those dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the charges against Alex Jenkinson?

Alex Jenkinson is charged with using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour causing fear of unlawful violence against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on 6 May, and against Stephen Terry on 5 May. He also faces a civil Stalking Protection Order application and has pleaded guilty to failing to provide a blood specimen.

When is the trial scheduled to take place?

The criminal trial is set to begin on 21 December. The final hearing for the civil Stalking Protection Order is scheduled for 16 February 2027 at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Will Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor give evidence in court?

Yes, Mountbatten-Windsor is due to give evidence via videolink during the criminal trial in December, and has been directed to give evidence for the Stalking Protection Order application.

Why was the defendant not inside the courtroom on Thursday?

Alex Jenkinson was turned away by court officials after arriving with his support dog. The judge stated that pets could not enter the courtroom without formal medical documentation corroborating the need for a support animal.

What bail conditions are currently in place?

Jenkinson is barred from entering Norfolk and must not approach Mountbatten-Windsor or go near royal residences including Sandringham, Buckingham Palace, Balmoral, Windsor, and Highgrove.