A major security scare at Windsor Castle has left a ‘chill in the air’, a palace source said.
Calls have been made for a review into the 95-year-old monarch’s security after an armed intruder broke into the grounds today.
Her Majesty was in her personal quarters about to greet her son Prince Charles and daughter-in-law Camilla when armed police scrambled to apprehend the man.
READ MORE: Armed man, 19, arrested at Windsor Castle as Queen celebrates Christmas
Dai Davies, the former chief superintendent and head of the royal protection unit said a “major review” of the Queen’s security will be needed in the wake of the Windsor Castle intruder scare.
He said: “Yet another intruder on the Windsor estate should set alarm bells ringing in the ears of anyone and everyone to do with royal protection.
“I would predict a major review will be needed after this latest incident, which is incredibly worrying, especially as this individual was apparently armed.
“We don’t know their background or motive but clearly this is a major security issue.
“With the Queen in residence and other members of the royal family being welcomed for Christmas Day, there would have been a heightened level of protection in place, securing the outer cordon and inner cordon of the Castle.
“But even still this is a very worrying event that will need to be evaluated at the highest level.
“Due to the sheer size of Windsor Castle, several organisations will be involved, from royalty protection, Thames Valley and the Metropolitan police.
“The next time could always be far worse and that is a huge worry.”
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The suspect, who was allegedly carrying an offensive weapon, is now being held in police custody and did not manage to enter any buildings during the incident, Thames Valley Police confirmed.
The Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla have also been joined by Prince Edward and his wife Sophie and their children, Louise and James.
A palace source said: “It is obviously a worry to have to deal with a break in like this, especially after Her Majesty has been through so much this year and in the lead up to Christmas.
“There will have to be a major evaluation of the security procedures and protocols after this event.
“Fortunately the intruder was apprehended and police were on the scene almost immediately but there is a chill in the air over what could have been.”
It is believed to be at least the third major security breach at Windsor in the last year.
(Image: Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror/PA Wire)
Thames Valley Police Superintendent 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.”
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