INTRUDER ARRESTED AT CASTLE
grounds at around 8.30am.
Her Majesty, 95, had broken tradition to spend the day there instead of Sandringham because of Covid.
She was told of the security breach as she prepared to greet Prince Charles, 73, and Camilla, 74, for the morning service at St George’s Chapel.
Thames Valley Police said a teenager, from Southampton, was being held at Maidenhead police station on suspicion of trespass of a protected site and possession of an offensive weapon.
Supt Rebecca Mears said: “We can confirm security processes were triggered within moments of the man entering the grounds and he did not enter any buildings.
“He remains in custody. An investigation is ongoing.
“We do not believe there is a wider danger to the public.”
A palace source said: “It is a worry to have to deal with a break-in like this, especially after Her Majesty has been through so much this year.
Sectioned
“There will have to be a major evaluation of the security procedures.
“Fortunately police were on the scene almost immediately but there is a chill in the air over what could have been.”
It is the third major security breach at Windsor Castle this year. In April police caught a man and a woman who scaled a fence. Days earlier a woman was arrested at Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge estate and later sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Last night Dai Davies, former head of the royal protection unit, said: “Yet another intruder on the Windsor estate should set alarm bells ringing in the ears of anyone and everyone to do with royal protection.
“I would predict a major review will be needed after this latest incident, which is incredibly worrying, especially as this individual was apparently armed. Next time could always be far worse and that is a huge worry.”