Armed Man Arrested After Intruding on Windsor Castle on Christmas

An armed intruder has been arrested after he brought a weapon onto the Windsor Castle grounds on Christmas, per British authorities. 

NBC News reports that the 19 year-old is being charged with breaching or trespassing a protected site, as Thames Valley Police claim he carried an “offensive weapon” at 8:30 a.m. local time. Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and other members of the royal family were staying at the castle following plans to celebrate at Sandringham falling through.

“We can confirm security processes were triggered within moments of the man entering the grounds and he did not enter any buildings,” Rebecca Mears, police superintendent, said. “Members of the Royal Family have been informed about the incident. We do not believe there is a wider danger to the public.”

Royal family members were eventually spotted arriving at the St. George Chapel in the Windsor Castle complex, after plans to celebrate at the royal family’s estate in Sandringham were derailed by the pandemic. 

“Although it’s a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones,” the queen said in an earlier Christmas Day speech, featuring a photo of her late husband Prince Philip. “This year, especially, I understand why.”