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Armed Intruder Arrested in Grounds of Windsor Castle
Armed Intruder Arrested in Grounds of Windsor Castle as Queen Celebrates Christmas
The Queen is currently celebrating Christmas at Windsor Castle, along with Prince Charles and Camilla and her youngest son Prince Edward, his wife Sophie and their children, Louise and James
BBC News 25 DEC 2021.
The Queen is currently celebrating Christmas at Windsor Castle
A man has been arrested for attempting to break into Windsor Castle this morning, police have said.
Her Majesty was in her personal quarters about to greet her son Prince Charles and daughter in law Camilla, when armed police were scrambled to apprehend a man who had broken into the castle grounds.
The suspect, who was allegedly carrying an offensive weapon, is now being held in police custody.
He did not manage to enter any buildings during the incident, Thames Valley Police confirmed.
It is believed to at least the third major security breach at Windsor in the last year.
They have also been joined by Prince Edward and his wife Sophie and their children, Louise and James.
Queen Elizabeth II records her Christmas message to the Commonwealth, in 3D for the first time
The Royal Family have been informed of what happened, the police said.
A palace source said: "It is obviously a worry to have to deal with a break in like this, especially after Her Majesty has been though so much this year and in the lead up to Christmas.
"There will have to be a major evaluation of the security procedures and protocols after this event.
"Fortunately the intruder was apprehended and police were on the scene almost immediately but there is a chill in the air over what could have been."
Superintendent Rebecca Mears, said in a statement: “An investigation is ongoing following this incident and we are working with colleagues from the Metropolitan Police.
Britains Royals , Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester attend a morning service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1NJ. Christmas Day 2021
The Queen did not attend church publicly this morning
“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.”
Earlier today the Queen did not make an appearance at St George's Church in Windsor, despite Charles, Camilla, Edward and Sophie all attending a service.
The monarch and her family's visit to church on Christmas morning is a staple of British festive life.
Before the pandemic, the Queen would typically draw a big crowd when she heads to St Mary Magdalene church on her
Earlier this week she decided to break with tradition and stay at Windsor Castle for Christmas, amid record-breaking numbers of Covid cases.
Her absence this morning has not yet been explained and it may be that she has decided to attend church privately later in the day.
When asked, Buckingham Palace said the matter was a private one.
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