Nicolai Haugsted
Prince Andrew opens up about alleged stalking incident for the first time.
A quiet walk near his Norfolk home ended in an unsettling encounter that is now heading to court. Prince Andrew has described coming face-to-face with a masked man who allegedly chased after him, according to a witness statement read before magistrates.
The incident is now at the center of criminal proceedings scheduled to continue later this year.
Court documents state that the King’s younger brother was walking near his Sandringham estate on May 6 when he noticed a parked vehicle he initially believed belonged to photographers.
After passing the vehicle, Andrew said a man caught his attention.
“He turned and faced me – he was wearing a balaclava face covering,” Andrew said in the witness statement presented in court, according to Express.
The 66-year-old added that the man appeared “out-of-place” before events escalated.
“I then saw a loose dog running towards him. Then he realised who I was and began to sprint after my vehicle,” the statement continued.
Prosecutors allege the incident caused Andrew to fear unlawful violence.
Man appears in court
Alex Jenkinson, 39, has been charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour during the incident near Wolferton, close to Andrew’s Marsh Farm property.
Proceedings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court were briefly delayed after Jenkinson arrived with his dog but was prevented from entering the courthouse.
His lawyer, Claire Howell, explained to the court that her client is homeless, currently living in a Travelodge and relies on the animal for support because he has ADHD.
Jenkinson was later detained under the Mental Health Act for around a month following the incident.
He has also pleaded guilty to failing to provide a blood sample while in police custody on the day of the alleged confrontation.
Prince Andrew is expected to give evidence by video link during the criminal trial, which has been scheduled to begin on December 21.
The case will focus on allegations that the confrontation near the royal estate left the Duke fearing violence, with his witness statement expected to play a central role in the proceedings.
