Ex-Prince Andrew Security Debate Returns After Masked Man Scare

Former Prince Andrew's latest security scare has reopened one of the royal family's most uncomfortable debates as many question if he should receive more protection despite tension surrounding him after the Jeffrey Epstein fallout.

The former royal was apparently left "shaken after a masked man approached him while he was walking his dogs near his Norfolk home in early May. Authorities later arrested Alex Jenkinson after reports of his "intimidating" behavior in the village, reports Fox News.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had left his car when a man ran towards him. He was masked and had a weapon. At the time, Andrew's private security guard was with him, and the local police officers were quickly on the scene.

They had responded to reports that "a man was behaving in an intimidating manner in the village." Jenkinson was then arrested on the scene for suspicion of a public order offense and possession of an offensive weapon.

Later, he was officially charged with wo counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behavior to harass someone, along with failing to provide a specimen of blood in custody. He pleaded not guilty.

British journalist Helen Chard said that Andrew was deeply unsettled after the confrontation.

“The recent scary masked man confrontation has left him shaken and worried for his safety,” she said.

The incident has revived debate about Andrew's current security years after he lost his official royal duties.

Chard claimed there are "rumors" that Andrew wants to have the same level of security he previously had before it was taken away from him. She also notes that King Charles does pay for his brother's security out of his own private funds.

“The king is understood to be funding Andrew’s ‘exile’ at Marsh Farm, including former royal protection cops,” she said.

She added that the officers are not armed and that the property already includes “fences, CCTV, and a security gate.”

Royal commentator Ian Pelham Turner argued Andrew’s protection should be upped after his confrontation.

“Personally, every citizen in Britain should feel safe and protected, especially highly well-known figures,” Turner said.

But another royal expert, Hilary Fordwisch, pointed out that there is only limited sympathy for ex-Prince Andrew because of all the scandals surrounding him. The public have made their feelings clear about the king's younger brother.

“This is totally to be expected because the public is absolutely disgusted regarding his despicable behavior,” Fordwich said.

And not only the public. One of the first royals to do so, apparently, was Princess Kate Middleton who turned her back against Andrew.

“Instead of wanting more security, he should really stay in sort of a house arrest just keep to himself and not even go out,” she stated. She seemed to indicate that Andrew should limit his movements because of the scandal surrounding him.

King Charles stripped Andrew of his military and royal titles last year after he fell from grace because of his association with Jeffrey Epstein.

The public are still outraged about his alleged behavior and they are divided about royal security for him.

“Reviewing Andrew's security is one thing, but talk of reinstating Met Police armed protection is already sparking public backlash, and understandably so,” Chard said.

She added, “Realistically, his security status won’t change. That ship has sailed.”

Prince Harry has also publicly fought for security protection in the United Kingdom after stepping back from royal duties.