A security scare occurred at Windsor Castle on Sunday after a man climbed the fence to break into its grounds. The man, in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of trespass on a protected site and possession of Class A drugs.
As reported by The Sun, it is believed the suspect clambered over a wall to get into the private grounds of the castle. He was then quickly detained by police from the Met Police Royal and Specialist Protection Command before being taken into custody.
The suspect was handed over to Thames Valley Police, the local force who cover the area outside the castle’s perimeter, before being released on bail pending further investigations.
A source told The Sun: “The intruder is believed to have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the break-in. He broke into the castle near Town Gate and was quickly detained by police.”
An investigation into the incident is underway.
The man, who has not been named by police, did not come into contact with any members of the Royal Family and was spotted by police soon after entering the grounds, which have 24 hour security.
He is not believed to have got close to Windsor Castle, where King Charles and Queen Camilla sometimes reside, or Adelaide Cottage – a property on the grounds that Prince William and Princess Kate live in with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
As reported by The Sun, the Prince and Princess of Wales were believed to be at home with their children that day, however it has not been confirmed whether they were there at the time of the break-in.
The family are believed to have moved to Windsor with their children in 2022 to be closer to the late Queen – who lived in Windsor Castle at the time – and to give their children access to more outdoor space and privacy.
Prince William and Princess Kate have not commented on Sunday’s incident.