Police arrested a man near Prince Andrew’s home on the Sandringham Estate on Wednesday evening, Norfolk Police said, after the former prince was allegedly threatened while walking his dogs.
The Arrest
The suspect was detained in the village of Wolferton, close to Marsh Farm – Prince Andrew’s temporary residence on the estate – and was taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre for questioning. He remains in custody. Officers said the arrest was for possession of an offensive weapon, an offence under Section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953, which criminalises carrying any article made or adapted for causing injury in a public place. A conviction can carry a maximum sentence of up to four years’ imprisonment.
The Threat
The incident took place at around 7:30 pm. According to reports, the suspect – who was wearing a balaclava – approached Prince Andrew while he was out walking his dogs. The man was initially in a car, emerged from the vehicle and began shouting at the former prince. Prince Andrew, who was accompanied by a member of his private security team, then got into a nearby car and drove away at speed. The suspect is said to have run after the vehicle. The manner of the approach and the subsequent arrest for carrying an offensive weapon indicate the threat was taken seriously by officers. Norfolk Police have not yet disclosed the specific nature of the weapon, but under the Prevention of Crime Act, an offensive weapon can include any item made or adapted for causing injury or one that the possessor intends to use to cause harm. The law was strengthened by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, which came into force in July 2021 and extended the offence to private places, and by subsequent amendments in 2024 and 2025 that added items such as zombie knives and ninja swords to the list of prohibited weapons. Ordinary household items like kitchen knives or scissors are not covered when possessed in a private place, but in a public setting their possession can still be an offence if the carrier intends to injure.
The incident is not being treated as terror-related. One line of inquiry being pursued is that the suspect may be a “fixated individual”. Witness statements have been taken from Prince Andrew and his personal protection officer.
Police Statement and Security Context
Norfolk Police said the arrest followed reports that Prince Andrew had been threatened while walking his dogs. The force did not release further details about the suspect or the weapon while the investigation continues. The arrest comes amid heightened security concerns for the Royal Family. In March 2025, a no-fly zone was introduced over the Sandringham Estate at the request of security services following drone sightings during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The restrictions prevent aircraft from flying below 2,000 ft, with exemptions for royal flights, visitors’ aircraft and emergency services. Security experts have noted an 11% rise in flagged threats to the Royals over the past three years, with nearly 500 individuals identified as potential dangers. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have faced threats, and a woman previously entered Prince Andrew’s former home, Royal Lodge.
Prince Andrew, who lost his entitlement to state-funded police protection in 2022, now has security provided by King Charles at his Sandringham accommodation. He moved to Wood Farm on the estate earlier this year and is currently living at Marsh Farm, which is undergoing renovation. His relocation followed his eviction from Royal Lodge. The former prince was himself arrested on 19 February 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office in connection with allegations concerning Jeffrey Epstein, and was released under investigation. Searches were conducted at his then-residence at Wood Farm and at Royal Lodge in Windsor. His 66th birthday coincided with that arrest and subsequent questioning at Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk.
