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A retired academic is campaigning to restore historic routes across the King’s Norfolk estate

A retired academic, 79, is mounting a campaign to reinstate historic public footpaths running through the King's private Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, in a move that could bring walkers directly past Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's residence at Marsh Farm.

Dr David Ormerod, a long-standing rights-of-way campaigner, has spent years investigating lost pathways across the county and lodging formal applications to have them added back to official maps.

His efforts have created a problem for the already embattled Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, coming only months after he alleged he was being pursued by a stalker in the vicinity of the property.

Through analysis of historical maps, aerial imagery and archival documents, Dr Ormerod has built a case that footpaths in the Sandringham area were improperly erased from official records roughly seven decades ago.

Local authorities have also sought his expertise on historic routes in the region.

His latest effort targets an old pathway crossing the Wolferton marshes, which he wants designated as a restricted byway.

In his submission, Dr Ormerod stated: "It is imperative this public right of way is re-established."

The retired scholar has compiled extensive documentary evidence covering multiple former routes through the royal estate.

Documentation relating to his most recent application reveals that formal notice was served on "The Occupier, Marsh Farm", Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's Norfolk home.

If successful, the Wolferton marshes application would effectively restore public access running immediately alongside the property, according to reports in the Sun.

Dr Ormerod has submitted detailed historical evidence supporting a series of claims across the estate, and his research has been drawn upon by local councils examining historic pathways in the area.

The Sandringham Estate has been approached for a response to the campaign by GB News. The estate has not yet commented publicly on the applications to reinstate the disputed routes.

The footpath dispute follows a troubling incident earlier this year when Mr Mountbatten-Windsor told police he had been chased by an alleged stalker near Marsh Farm.

According to evidence heard at Westminster Magistrates' Court, he had been out walking his dogs when he noticed someone who appeared "out of place."

He later drove past the individual accompanied by his private security team and observed the man wearing a balaclava. In a statement read to the court, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor said: "Then he realised who I was and began to sprint after my vehicle."

Alex Jenkinson, 39, faces a charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour during the alleged confrontation in Wolferton on May 6. He denies the offence.