Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has "always believed he is entitled to taxpayer-funded security", a royal commentator has claimed.
Since 2019, the former prince has not been provided security courtesy of the taxpayer and has instead relied on private protection.
Seven years ago, he was told to step down from his royal duties by the late Queen Elizabeth II, following his links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
He has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding Epstein.
It is believed the private bodyguards he now employs are former close protection officers of the Metropolitan Police – the team who would protect Andrew if he still received taxpayer-funded security.
However, they are not armed, nor do they receive intelligence
GB News understands the King makes a lump sum to cover his brother's expenses, including security protection, although it is up to Andrew how the finances are allocated.
The situation regarding the late Queen's son was exacerbated recently, when he was allegedly confronted by a "balaclava-clad" man near his Sandringham Estate home.
The incident reportedly unfolded at approximately 7.30pm, as the former Duke of York had been walking his dogs.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has 'always believed that he is entitled to taxpayer-funded security,' a royal commentator has claimed
|GETTY
According to The Telegraph, the suspect was said to be approximately 50 yards from Mr Mountbatten-Windsor when the alleged threat occurred.
The suspect, Alex Jenkinson, 39, has been charged with two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to harass someone or cause alarm or distress.
He pleaded not guilty earlier this month.
Royal commentator Rafe Haydel-Mankoo told GB News Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's current security predicament leaves the Royal Family in "an extremely uncomfortable position".
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Alex Jenkinson pleaded not guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards Andrew
| PA / ELIZABETH COOK"This situation is that it intersects family loyalty, public outrage, and then you've got the survival of the monarchy, so you have three competing elements there," he told the People's Channel.
"It's clear that His Majesty and the rest of the Royal Family care about their brother, their uncle, their cousin.
"Despite everything that's happened, he is part of their family, and there's obviously always going to be concern for his well-being and for his security.
"But at the same time, the monarchy has to be protected, and he understands."
Mr Haydel-Mankoo said Mr Mountbatten-Windsor "cannot be completely ostracised" and has been "kept at arm's length" by the King, who ordered him to leave Royal Lodge, his Berkshire residence of more than 20 years.
However, rather concerningly, he claims Andrew remains dumbfounded as to why he does not have the same entitlements as the rest of the family.
"Andrew's always believed that he's entitled to taxpayer-funded security and his titles and everything else," Mr Haydel-Mankoo added. "It doesn't appear that he still understands quite why he's in the position he is in.
"But it's quite clear that from the perspective of the Royal Family and for the monarchy, the privileges of protection are inseparable from public service and public legitimacy – and he's lost both of those."
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