Armed intruder is arrested ‘with crossbow’ in grounds of Windsor Castle
Intruder ‘armed with a crossbow’ is arrested while trying to ‘break into Windsor Castle’ while The Queen was inside ahead of Christmas celebrations with Charles, Camilla, Edward and Sophie
An armed intruder was arrested in grounds of Windsor Castle, police saidThe 19-year-old suspect was allegedly carrying an offensive weapon He did not manage to enter any buildings during the incident, police addedPolice said a male teenager was detained after an alarm was triggered Did YOU see the Windsor Castle intruder? Email l.dollimore.mol@mailonline.co.uk
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An armed intruder who was arrested in the grounds of Windsor Castle today was allegedly carrying a crossbow, it has emerged.
A 19-year-old man from Southampton is being held in police custody after triggering an alarm at around 8.30am this morning.
He is said to have broken through the outer security perimeter but was stopped by police before he could reach the building itself – where the Queen was preparing to spend Christmas Day with Prince Charles, Camilla, Edward and his wife Sophie.
A Thames Valley Police spokesman confirmed the suspect did not manage to enter any buildings during the intrusion.
They added that the Royal Family were aware of the incident.
The Queen is celebrating Christmas at Windsor this year, along with her son Charles and his wife Camilla.
Her Majesty missed a service this morning as she remained indoors while other senior royals arrived at St George’s Chapel.
Superintendent Rebecca Mears said in a statement: ‘An investigation is ongoing following this incident and we are working with colleagues from the Metropolitan Police.
Tourist stand in front of the Henry VII gate and take pictures at Windsor castle at Windsor, England on Christmas Day
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester have arrived for the Christmas Matins service in Windsor Castle
The Queen paid an emotional tribute to her late husband Prince Philip in her Christmas message, while sitting beside a framed picture of the royal couple (pictured)
‘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 Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall , the Earl and Countess of Wessex and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester met the Dean of Windsor outside the chapel ahead of the Christmas Matins service.
Sophie and Edward were accompanied by their daughter Lady Louise and son James, Viscount Severn.
Sophie and Edward were accompanied by their daughter Lady Louise and son James, Viscount Severn. The royals were greeted at the entrance by the Dean of Windsor before moving inside for the morning service
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester arrive to attend the Christmas Day morning church service at St George’s Chapel
It is understood the Queen’s absence from the service is a personal choice and follows a precautionary approach seen over the last six months.
The service, which is ticketed, is attended by residents of the Windsor estate and members of the chapel congregation.
The monarch is expected to be joined at Windsor Castle by Charles and Camilla, having shelved her customary trip to Sandringham as a ‘precautionary’ measure amid surging Covid cases – with more than 122,000 cases recorded yesterday.
William and Kate will not be joining the Queen this year, instead spending the festive season in Norfolk, where they will host the Middletons.
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