Armed intruder arrested at Windsor Castle as Queen celebrates Christmas

An armed man was arrested after attempting to break into Windsor Castle where the Queen was celebrating Christmas with her family.

Police said the intruder was carrying an offensive weapon but did not break into any buildings on Saturday morning.

The suspect was being held in custody and the royals had been informed, Thames Valley police said.

A 19-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of breach or trespass of a protected site and possession of an offensive weapon, they added.

Supt Rebecca Mears said: “An investigation is ongoing following this incident and we are working with colleagues from the Metropolitan police. 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.”

The Queen was celebrating Christmas at Windsor with Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, in the first year since the death of her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.

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