In a case that has sent shockwaves through aristocratic circles, Viscount Linley, the 61-year-old nephew of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has been granted a full stalking protection order against a 91-year-old woman, a former intimate of the family.
The order was secured at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court against Myra Forde, who allegedly waged a two-year campaign of harassment against the viscount and his family. The situation became so severe that it prompted serious security reviews for the royal relative.
A Disturbing Pattern of Behaviour
Court documents reveal a distressing pattern of behaviour. Mrs. Forde, once a welcome guest at the Linley family's Gloucestershire estate, is accused of making numerous unwanted visits to both his country home and his London office. The situation escalated to the point where she was allegedly found asleep in her car outside his property, having travelled from her home in Chichester, West Sussex.
Beyond physical presence, the viscount was subjected to a deluge of unwanted communications, described in court as "persistent and unwanted letters, emails, and telephone calls." The content of these communications was deemed "derogatory and offensive," causing significant alarm and distress to Lord Linley and his staff.
Royal Security Implications
The case has raised profound security concerns. As the son of the late Princess Margaret and the first cousin of King Charles III, Viscount Linley's safety is a matter of official interest. The fact that a non-threatening, elderly woman could persistently breach the security perimeter of a royal family member has been described by sources as "deeply troubling" and a "wake-up call" for those responsible for royal protection.
The stalking protection order, a powerful legal instrument, strictly prohibits Mrs. Forde from contacting Viscount Linley or his wife, Serena, or attempting to visit any of their properties. A breach of this order is a criminal offence, potentially resulting in imprisonment.
A Friendship Turned Sour
The most poignant aspect of this case is the complete reversal of a long-standing relationship. Myra Forde was not a stranger; she was reportedly a close friend of Viscount Linley's late mother, Princess Margaret, and had even been a guest at royal weddings. The descent from trusted friend to alleged stalker adds a layer of personal tragedy to the legal drama.
Neither Viscount Linley's representatives nor Mrs. Forde chose to comment on the ongoing legal matter. The case stands as a stark reminder that the threat of obsession and harassment knows no boundaries of age, class, or former affection.
