A 19-year-old man bearing what police termed “an offensive weapon” was arrested Christmas morning on the grounds of Windsor Castle, the chief residence of Britain’s monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. The queen was on the premises at the time, celebrating the holiday with Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, according to multiple reports. The man did not enter any buildings and the queen was unharmed.
A statement from the Thames Valley Police today described the intruder as “A 19-year-old man from Southampton.” He was apprehended.
“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,” continued the statement.
“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.”
This is not the first time outsiders have gained access to the grounds.
A couple was arrested earlier this year on the estate, reportedly near where the Queen walks her dogs.
In 2004, an intruder dressed as Batman breached security and staged a protest on one of the castle’s balconies.
Most famously, in 1982 a man named Michael Faganl who was reportedly high on drugs, broke into the palace — twice. The first time he drank wine and sat on the thrones there. The second time, he made it to the Queen’s bedroom, woke her up and said he wanted to “chat.” The scene figured prominently in the fifth season of The Crown.
Queen Elizabeth’s annual Christmas message was also broadcast today. In it, she remembered her late husband, Prince Phillip.
Full statement from the Thames Valley Police:
Officers from Thames Valley and the Metropolitan Police today (25/12) responded to a security breach at around 8.30am within the grounds of Windsor Castle.
A 19-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested and he remains in custody at this time.
Thames Valley Police 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.”