Alex Jenkinson, 39, pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence to the former Duke of York on May 6. Andrew was threatened by the “balaclava-clad” man while out walking his dogs near Marsh Farm, where he has lived since being evicted from Royal Lodge in Windsor over his links to Jeffrey Epstein, according to The Telegraph.
Royal journalist Tom Sykes said: “It’s reasonable to assume [Harry] will be seriously concerned, 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.”
Under existing arrangements, the Duke of Sussex must give thirty days’ notice before the beginning of a visit, after which the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) will make a case-by-case determination about the security provided.
Harry previously said he “can’t see a world” in which he could bring his wife and two children back to the UK without extensive protection in place.
He added: “I think it’s really quite sad that I won’t be able to show my children my homeland.”
The prince’s case was also bolstered when a known stalker managed to get within feet of him on two occasions during a London visit last year.
While handing the former working royal taxpayer-funded protection may be unpopular, it would be “catastrophic” if something were to happen to him and his family in the event of under-provision, Mr Sykes said.
“If something were to happen, it would be catastrophic, not just for Harry, but for the United Kingdom, the monarchy and the country’s reputation in the world,” he wrote in a piece for the Daily Beast.
“The time has come to untangle status from safety. But the fact that Harry has been foolish does not mean he should be unsafe.”
Jenkinson is expected to stand trial for the alleged attack on Andrew on July 29, with the ex-duke set to provide evidence via a videolink.