Police have increased security measures at Windsor Castle after an armed intruder broke into the grounds as the Queen prepared to celebrate Christmas with her family.
After yesterday’s arrest, armed officers were on standby and an unmarked surveillance car was seen on the castle grounds.
According to sources, the man had a crossbow and used rope ladders to climb a fence. However police did not reveal what it was that he was carrying.
He was seen on CCTV wandering around the garden at 8.30am, after climbing an outer wall. In a matter of minutes, the scene was covered by armed teams.
The intruder may have gotten into the Queen’s apartments. It is unclear how. The intruder was not seen entering any building and police quickly dismissed any terror motive.
Yesterday night, a Southampton teenager was taken into custody on suspicion of breaching or trespassing at a protected location and possessing an offensive weapon.
Crossbows, also known as “lethal but legal”, are available for purchase online and do not require any registration or licence.
After the initial security alert, Princess Charles and Camilla were welcomed to Windsor by the Queen.
After an intrusion, a police officer stands watch outside Windsor Castle.
After an intruder entered Windsor Castle’s grounds on Christmas Day, security was heightened.
After an intrusion, a Windsor Castle police officer is seen standing outside.
Christmas Day: Tourists take photos at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England from the Henry VII Gate.
The Christmas Matins service at Windsor Castle will be attended by the Prince of Wales, Duchess and Earl of Cornwall, the Earl of Wessex and Countesssssof Wessex, as well as the Prince and Duchessssssof Gloucester
In her Christmas message to Prince Philip, the Queen paid an emotional tribute while sitting alongside a frame of their royal couple picture (pictured).
Prince Edward, Sophie, and their children, Lady Louise (age 18) and Viscount Severn (age 14), arrived shortly thereafter.
Charles, Edward, and their wives were photographed later as they made it to St George’s Chapel on the grounds of Castle.
It is believed that the Queen skipped the service because she made a personal decision.
The Royals all ate lunch together.
As the Monarch, 95 years old, reflected on her year of grief and wrote a very personal Christmas message. It was her first after Prince Philip’s passing.
He was described by her as a mischievous and curious twinkle that was just as vivid at the end of his story than when he first met me.
Sources at Palace said that the intruder had been apprehended by police and officers arrived almost instantly, but it is still possible to feel a chill about what may have happened.
According to one source, security controllers who were watching the CCTV footage couldn’t believe their luck when they saw the man with what looked like a crossbow and called the police.
Matthew Barber, Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner said that the suspect was taken into custody as soon as possible and hadn’t entered any building.
“I have spoken with the Chief Constable, and we need reassurances regarding the security.”
He was then taken to Maidenhead station. The incident is thought to have been at least the third serious security breach at Windsor over the past year.
Five thieves made it to the royal palace grounds. Two breaches occurred days apart.
One of the cases was that a woman, who claimed to be his fiancee, was permitted into Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge. They had also met for lunch.
A woman was taken into custody last week after banging on the car windows of Prince Andrew and shouting abuse at him while he was driving from Royal Lodge to Castle.
Edward and Sophie were joined by Lady Louise (the daughter of Edward) and James, the son of Viscount Severn. After being greeted by the Dean at Windsor, they moved inside to attend the morning service.
The Duke and Duchess arrive at St George’s Chapel for the Christmas Day service.
Prince William’s 21st Birthday Party was gatecrashed by a comedy terrorist
The suspected security breach at Windsor Castle is not here.
Aaron Barschak, who was self-described a ‘comedy terror’ in June 2003 gained national fame when he crashed Prince William’s 21st Birthday party at Windsor.
Barschak was dressed in a pink gown, with a fake beard, and wearing a turban similar to Osama Bin Laden’s.
Aaron Barschak was a self-described “comedy terrorist” who gained national recognition by gatecrashing William’s 21st birthday celebration at Windsor. Barschak was dressed in a pink dress with a fake beard and had a turban that looked like Osama bin Laden.
He flashed his merkin to the people outside and climbed the castle walls before entering the party of the young prince.
Sources told The Guardian at the time that CPS lawyers decided there was ‘insufficient evidence’ to charge Barschak for one or more of four offences – burglary, threatening behaviour, criminal trespass and assault.
He was told he wouldn’t face any action and the comedian terrorist claimed his act of terror had earned him fame.
LBC News interviewed him and he stated that he no longer speaks to any of his friends. They are far too popular for me. It’s quite a strain to have people walk up to me on the streets.
He was told he wouldn’t face any action and the comedian terrorist claimed that his stunt earned him fame
Barschak said that he was confronted and taken to the police station after breaking into the grounds. However, he claimed that he was then allowed in the party area by the Met Police after a “credible” story.
The incident led at least to nine police officers being placed under investigation.
Chief Inspector Mark Goddard (a top officer in charge of Windsor security) was removed.