Armed intruder arrested in Windsor Castle grounds before Queen pays tribute to Philip in Christmas message

An armed intruder was arrested today after breaking into the grounds of Windsor Castle, where the Queen, 95, is celebrating Christmas with her family.

The 19-year-old man from Southampton was in custody last night after the breach at about 8.30am, according to the police.

Officers said that the royal family had been informed about the break-in. The police had yet to release details of how the man entered the grounds, but there were unconfirmed reports he had been carrying a crossbow when apprehended.

The break-in came as the Queen marked her first Christmas since her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, died aged 99 in April. She was joined today by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall and by the Earl and Countess