BUCKINGHAM PALACE confirmed yesterday that security surrounding Princess Anne had been increased amid concern about a "stalker" who has been following her and sending her love letters, writes Rachel Borrill from London.
Scotland Yard sources admitted that officers feared the man, believed to be in his 30s and from the south of England, could pose a threat to the Princess Royal and police have circulated his photograph to security guards at engagement she attends.
"He has not made any direct moves to the princess in terms of trying to grab her and there appears to be no malice in his actions. He is quite simply obsessed with her. He has been trying to meet her and has written her several letters.
"They are not obscene in any way. The princess is aware of the situation and we know who he is and will continue to monitor his movements," a police source said.
The man, who has not been named, has attended many of Princess Anne's public engagements over recent months and it is feared he may be developing a dangerous obsession with her.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman confirmed that officials have been aware of the man's "obsession" for several months.
It is known that members of the royal family are followed by a number of individuals whose attention can be quite persistent. But that is a matter for the police to deal with as they consider fit," she said.
The princess has indicated that she is determined to keep to her agreed schedule of public engagements.
. Princess Diana met her lawyers yesterday to discuss Queen Elizabeth's demand for an early divorce.
Her solicitor, Mr Anthony Julius, confirmed that she was "considering a number of options" but stressed that no formal announcement was imminent.