Prince Andrew’s planned July court appearance over an alleged May confrontation near Sandringham has been postponed to December. The accused, Alex Jenkinson, was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and pleaded not guilty to public order charges. Magistrates adjourned the hearing after concerns were raised about the defendant’s mental health. Reports say the former duke was left shaken and has sought the reinstatement of publicly funded protection withdrawn in 2022.
Prince Andrew’s Hearing Over Sandringham Confrontation Put Back To December
Prince Andrew, Duke of York arrives for the Requiem Mass service for Katharine, Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral on September 16, 2025 in London, England. Katharine, Duchess of Kent was married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, the first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. She died on September 4 at the age of 92 at Kensington Palace surrounded by her family. Having converted to Catholicism in 1994, her funeral takes place at Westminster Cathedral and is the first Catholic funeral to be held for a member of the royal family in modern British history. Her Royal Highness will be laid to rest at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor. (Getty Images)
Prince Andrew, the former Duke of York, will not be required to appear at a court hearing until December after magistrates postponed a trial related to an alleged confrontation near his Sandringham home in May.
The defendant, 39-year-old Alex Jenkinson, was arrested on 6 May on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and a public order offence after police say he chased and threatened Andrew while the prince was walking his dogs. Jenkinson has pleaded not guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke violence.
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was confronted while on a dog walk near his home in Norfolk (Getty Images)
The case had been listed for 29 July, with an expectation that the former duke would give evidence remotely by video link. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring adjourned the hearing this morning until December after concerns were raised about the defendant’s mental health.
What Happened
According to reports, the incident occurred on a public footpath near Sandringham. Prince Andrew was accompanied by private security and drove away from the scene; the man is alleged to have followed the vehicle. News outlets reported the prince was left shaken and requested the reinstatement of taxpayer-funded protection, which was withdrawn in 2022.
Andrew now lives in Marsh Farm in Sandringham (UK Press via Getty Images)
Official Response
“Officers were called to Wolferton shortly after 7.30pm on 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.” — Norfolk Police spokesperson
After losing his remaining royal titles last year and facing an unrelated arrest earlier this year on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Andrew left Royal Lodge in Windsor and moved to Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate. He has maintained a low public profile since relocating. Reports say additional security measures — including a six-foot wooden fence and temporary electric fencing — were installed around the property ahead of his move, and that he currently relies on private security.
Legal proceedings will resume in December unless further applications are made. The adjournment reflects the court’s duty to consider the health and fitness of a defendant before trial.
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