Police ramp up security in Windsor for the Duke's funeral
Thames Valley Police has said there will be an ‘increased police presence’ and a range of security measures in place. People have been told
not to gather at Windsor Castle.
Thames Valley Police has said there will be an ‘increased police presence’ and a range of security measures in place in the run-up to the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral this Saturday.
The Ceremonial Royal Funeral will take place at St George’s Chapel within the grounds of Windsor Castle.
In line with the Royal Household’s wishes and Government advice, Thames Valley Police is asking the public not to gather at Royal residences and to continue to follow public health advice particularly on avoiding large groups and minimising travel.
During this time of national mourning, there is an increased police presence and a broad range of security measures in place in and around Windsor.
Some of these measures are visible, such as the ‘extensive network’ of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, CCTV, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) barriers and mounted police – while some measures are unseen.
If a vehicle triggers the ANPR technology, a separate unit parked nearby will be deployed and will
stop the driver if necessary. The work is being carried out by officers from the Joint Operations Unit for Roads Policing. The Commercial Vehicle Unit will also be checking lorries.
Thames Valley Police is also carrying out specialist searches in and around Windsor. Officers and dogs have been searching phone boxes, drains and bins as well as carrying out patrols in the town centre, Long Walk and Home Park.
Thames Valley Police as
sistant chief constable Ben Snuggs, strategic commander for the funeral, said: “We understand that people will want to pay their respect in this time of national mourning.
“We would ask people to use the online book of condolence which has been set up by the Royal Household.
“There will continue to be a police presence in Windsor in the lead up to and on the day of the funeral as part of our measures to ensure public health and safety and protective security.”