Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has received a major security update ahead of the Norfolk confrontation trial, which has been rescheduled for December.
The disgraced royal's security arrangements are under scrutiny after a court heard a man accused of threatening him allegedly carried out internet searches about his protection.
How was Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor allegedly threatened?
As reported by RadarOnline.com, the former Duke of York was "chased" and threatened by a man called Alex Jenkinson when Andrew was on a dog walk near his Norfolk home in May.
The 39-year-old man was arrested for possession of an offensive weapon and was questioned.
He pleaded not guilty to using threatening, abusing or insulting words or behaviour with the intent to cause fear.
As reported by The Telegraph, the confrontation left the former Duke of York "shaken", leading him to request to have his taxpayer-funded security reinstated.
Andrew's publicly funded protection was withdrawn in 2022, three years after he stepped down as a working royal.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's trial delayed
The trial was originally scheduled for July 29, with Andrew expected to break his cover to give evidence in court remotely via a video link.
However, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring delayed the hearing on Wednesday morning until December 21 due to concerns over the accused's mental health.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's security 'massively tightened'
A source familiar with the case exclusively told the outlet, "The alleged online searches have inevitably raised fresh questions about security. While they have yet to be tested in court, any suggestion that someone was researching personal protection arrangements is treated seriously when assessing potential risks."
"Those responsible for Andrew's security are said to be taking every precaution while the criminal proceedings continue, with any potential vulnerabilities being carefully reviewed. His security is being massively tightened as a result," an insider revealed.
At Wednesday's hearing, the court heard that police recovered 340 pages of alleged internet search terms from Jenkinson's phone, including "Andrew's Norfolk Security" and "Prince Andrew birthday".
However, Claire Howell, who is representing Jenkinson, argued the prosecution did not establish that the searches were relevant to the charge Alex is facing.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ordered prosecutors to provide further details by September 15.
