A man wearing a balaclava has been taken into custody following an alleged confrontation with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor near his Norfolk residence on Wednesday evening.
The incident reportedly unfolded at approximately 7.30pm in the vicinity of the Sandringham Estate, where the former Duke of York had been exercising his dogs.
According to the Telegraph, the suspect was approximately 50 yards from Mr Mountbatten-Windsor when the alleged threat occurred.
The confrontation allegedly took place on a public lane adjacent to the Sandringham Royal Parkland, close to Marsh Farm, the property where the former royal has been residing since departing Royal Lodge in Windsor last year.
The suspect had reportedly been seated inside his vehicle before spotting the former prince and exiting to approach him while shouting.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, who had a member of his private security team accompanying him, allegedly swiftly made for his own car parked nearby.
He then sped away from the scene as the man allegedly attempted to run after the departing vehicle.
Norfolk Police responded to the alert and detained the suspect at the location for questioning.
Officers were also understood to be examining the man's car for potential weapons.
A Norfolk Police spokesman said: "Officers were called to Wolferton shortly after 7.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 6 May 2026) following a report a man was behaving in an intimidating manner in the village.
"Officers attended, and the man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and possession of an offensive weapon.
"He was taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre for questioning and remains in custody."
Both the former duke, who was reportedly left shaken, and his protection officer were asked to give statements.
The incident has reignited debate surrounding the former duke's protection arrangements.
His publicly funded security detail, provided by the Metropolitan Police, was removed in 2019 by the late Queen, and King Charles has subsequently declined to cover the costs of private protection for his brother.
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Concerns have been raised that the move to the rural Norfolk location may have left him more vulnerable to potential threats.A source told the publication: "This shows why Andrew's security provisions need to be proportionate and properly balanced for an individual with a very high profile. "Surely this demonstrates why his security should be reviewed."Buckingham Palace refused to comment.
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