Armed intruder arrested on Windsor Castle grounds as Royals celebrate Christmas Day
On Christmas Day an armed man was caught on the grounds of the Queen’s residence Windsor Castle after having broken in.
Reports from Thames Valley Police state that they responded to a security breach at around 8:30 am within the grounds of the castle, the place where the monarch and several other royals were spending their Christmas holidays. So far we know that a suspect is a 19-year-old man from Southampton, who managed to break into Windsor Castle grounds, however luckily was unable to break into any of the other buildings located there, and is now in police custody.
Superintendent Rebecca Mears said: “An investigation is ongoing following this incident and we are working with colleagues from the Metropolitan police. The man has been arrested on suspicion of breach or trespass of a protected site and possession of an offensive weapon. He remains in custody at this time.
“We can confirm security processes were triggered within moments of the man entering the grounds and he did not enter any buildings. Members of the royal family have been informed about the incident. We do not believe there is a wider danger to the public.”
This year the Queen spent her first Christmas in over 50 years without her husband Prince Philip, who passed away earlier this year in April. For the second time in a row the festivities that the monarch usually holds at her Sandringham estate had to be cancelled due to the still ongoing global pandemic, so this year she had a shortened guest list. Her Majesty was joined for Christmas by her sons Prince Charles and Prince Edward, along with their wives, the Duchess of Cornwall and Countess of Wessex.
The Queen’s speech, which was pre-recorded in the White Drawing Room at Windsor, was televised as usual at the 3 pm slot on Christmas.
To the Royal family, and to all of you, we wish you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays.