Sources claim the man, 19, had a crossbow and got in using a rope ladder.Police told The Sun the man was carrying an offensive weapon but fortunately did not manage to break into any buildings during the incident this morning.Her Majesty was inside with other royals before her tribute to late hubby Philip was broadcast to the nation in her emotional Christmas Day message.Police confirmed they swooped on the teen at 8.30am “within moments of him entering the grounds”. They said he did not get into any buildings.He had “an offensive weapon”, though officers did not reveal what type. However, a security source said last night: “I’m told the man had a crossbow.”It was also suggested the intruder may have used a rope ladder to climb over a spiked fence off the Long Walk, in a publicly accessible area close to apartments used by Her Majesty.A royal source said: “Police responded to this very quickly – but it is still terrifying and shocking that it happened while the Queen and senior royals were at Windsor for Christmas.”Last night, former royal police protection officer Dai Davies said: “This is worrying and a review will be carried out after this shocking incident.”A royal insider added: “The timing is quite worrying as it was widely known that Her Majesty would be at Windsor for Christmas. Fortunately, this guy did not get near her or any other royals – it could have been a lot worse.“One of the key things the security services and police are looking at is if he could have been inspired by a terrorist motive, or if he was some sort of crank or loner.”The suspect, from Southampton, was being quizzed by cops last night. It was not said whether he had any terrorist or extremist-linked motives.Officers from Thames Valley Police and London’s Met are probing whether he made the 60-mile trip to Windsor from Southampton yesterday.The Queen, 95, and other royals were informed of the security breach, which happened as Her Majesty had breakfast.Just over two hours later, royals including Charles, Camilla, Edward and Sophie walked in the castle grounds to a Christmas Day church service.Superintendent Rebecca Mears said: “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. The Royal Family has been informed of the incident.”The Queen is celebrating Christmas with Charles and Camilla in Windsor – her first in 73 years without her beloved husband Prince Philip, who died earlier this year.Her Majesty, 95, missed the service in St George’s Chapel but has been joined by the royal couple and other members of the royal family for lunch.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.Also joining the monarch for Christmas are Sophie and Edward and their daughter Lady Louise and son James, Viscount Severn, as well as Princesses Beatrice, 33, and Eugenie, 31, their husbands Edo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank and children August and Sienna.Mike and Zara Tindall, and their children Mia, Lena and Lucas, spent the night at Windsor too.Meanwhile, Prince William and Kate, both 39, and children George, Charlotte and Louis, arrived at Sandringham where they will be joined by members of the Middleton family.Princess Anne, 71, was ruled out of spending the festive weekend with the Queen as she is in isolation after husband Tim Lawrence tested positive for Covid-19.Meanwhile, the Queen has spoken movingly about missing the “mischievous twinkle” and “familiar laugh” of Prince Philip in her Christmas Day message.This article originally appeared on The Sun and has been reproduced with permission.
Powered by WPeMatico
