Queen hit by shock security blunder as imposter allowed inside barracks at Windsor
He claimed to be priest ++ Wasn’t asked for ID ++ Ate and drank in officers’ mess ++ Given bed for night in 16-hour stay
A FANTASIST was welcomed inside a barracks just yards from Windsor Castle by guards protecting the Queen – after he pretended to be a priest.
In one of the most shocking security blunders at a UK military base in years, the intruder was ushered inside the Coldstream Guards headquarters without showing any identification.
The man, who is understood to suffer from mental health issues, then spent hours drinking with senior members of the guards before being invited to stay the night in the plush officers’ mess.
Remarkably, only after he had eaten breakfast in the mess the following morning were concerns raised about his real identity.
Last night, horrified defence officials launched an urgent investigation into the episode.
Defence sources said the as-yet unidentified man approached the front gate at Victoria Barracks, home to the historic regiment, on the evening of April 26.
One added: ‘He said he was a priest called Father Cruise who was a friend of the battalion padre,
Reverend Matt Coles. So the blokes on the gate let him in and directed him to the officers’ mess.
‘He then spent the evening drinking in the mess bar and telling stories about serving in Iraq and winning a medal for gallantry.
‘Later on, he claimed to have worked as a test pilot for ejector seats. He even claimed he had donated some of his internal organs,’ the source told TalkTV.
Yet even after spinning these tales – including the bizarre claim his organs had been transplanted with ‘g-force-resistant’ ones – he was given a room for the night inside the barracks, where hundreds of troops are based.
The Coldstream Guards is the oldest continuously serving regiinfantry ment in the British Army and is known for its high-profile ceremonial duties.
Formed in 1650, it is also an regiment with a hard-won reputation. The Ministry of Defence website describes it as ‘an elite fighting force’.
But their guard was down last week. A source continued: ‘Only the next day did anyone do any checks. Then the police were called and he was ushered outside.
‘This is an absolute shocker for the regiment. We’re the Guards, or supposed to be. It’s so embarrassing.’
The Coldstream Guards is purposely based in Windsor in order to defend the Queen. As part of the Household Division, the battalion’s primary role is public duties, marching through the town and to and from the castle. It also takes part in state ceremonial occasions.
The Queen, who spent Easter at Sandringham, is understood to have returned to Windsor Castle on April 27 just hours after the man was handed over to Thames Valley Police officers.
The intruder is understood to be from the Windsor area. He was not arrested and a Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: ‘No further action was required.’
The security breach could have significant consequences for the senior Coldstream Guards officers. It also comes amid news that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are intending to move to Windsor with their family.
Five months ago an intruder armed with a crossbow was arrested after attempting to break into Windsor Castle.
Last night, an Army spokesperson said: ‘The Army takes this breach of security extremely seriously and it will be thoroughly investigate as a matter of priority.
‘The incident is now part of an ongoing investigation and it would therefore be inappropriate to comment further at this time.’