Prince Harry's 'serious concerns' following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor 'harassment' incident could mean he 'doubles down' on security fight
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was allegedly approached and verbally harassed last week
Prince Harry is reportedly expected to “double down” on his fight for taxpayer-funded UK security following the alleged harassment incident involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The Duke of Sussex has spent years battling over security arrangements for himself and his family whenever they travel to Britain. He has previously claimed that he does not feel it is safe to bring Meghan and their children to the UK without proper protection.
Now, royal commentators believe the recent incident involving Andrew could strengthen Harry’s argument.
Prince Harry ‘seriously concerned’ after Andrew-Mountbatten Windsor incident
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was reportedly threatened by a man wearing a balaclava while out walking his dogs near his new home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
According to reports, the incident happened last Wednesday evening near Marsh Farm, where Andrew is said to have relocated after leaving Royal Lodge in Windsor.
The suspect allegedly approached Andrew while shouting at him.
Andrew was reportedly with a member of his private security team. He is said to have hurried back to his vehicle. He drove away as the man allegedly attempted to follow him.
Norfolk Police later arrested a suspect and reportedly searched a vehicle for possible weapons.
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Jenkinson, from Stowmarket, Suffolk, pleaded not guilty and was released on conditional bail. Conditions reportedly include staying away from Norfolk and all royally owned properties, along with having no contact with the alleged victim.
Andrew himself lost publicly funded police protection after stepping back from royal duties in 2019 following the fallout from his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
A source told The Telegraph, “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.”
Prince Harry
Royal journalist Tom Sykes claimed the incident is likely to heighten Harry’s fears about security.
“It’s reasonable to assume he will be seriously concerned,” Sykes told The Mirror. “And will now double down on his position that he simply cannot bring his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children back to the United Kingdom without a comprehensive security package in place.”
Harry’s security battle has rumbled on ever since he stepped back from royal duties in 2020. He lost automatic taxpayer-funded police protection.
Under the current system, protection decisions are handled by RAVEC, the Royal and VIP Executive Committee. They assess security needs on a case-by-case basis after Harry gives 30 days’ notice before travelling to the UK.
But concerns intensified after a reported stalking incident last September. A known stalker allegedly managed to get within feet of Harry on two occasions during the same London visit.
Sykes warned that the consequences of any future incident involving the duke could be enormous.
“If something were to happen [to Prince Harry], it would be catastrophic. Not just for Harry, but for the United Kingdom, the monarchy, and the country’s reputation in the world,” he said.
Harry is expected to return to Britain later this summer for preparation meetings ahead of the Invictus Games. They will take place in Birmingham next year.
However, Meghan and the couple’s children are not expected to join him.
Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s statement on son Prince Archie’s sudden royal title change
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