Princess Diana's former bodyguard has called out the 'worrying' security risks for the Queen at Windsor Castle, following the second intrusion of the royal residence in the month of April.
- Princess Diana's former bodyguard has condemned the recent security breaches at Windsor Castle as a 'farce.'
- The Queen's royal residence was invaded twice during the month of April, raising grave concerns about her safety at the Berkshire estate.
- In other royal news, Princess Eugenie shares adorable post featuring baby August to celebrate husband’s birthday.
Princess Diana's former bodyguard has spoken out about the recent security breaches at Windsor Castle, which included two separate incidents of trespassing.
Ken Wharfe, who served as the protection officer to Lady Diana for seven years, slammed the intrusions as a 'farce' and urged royal officials to tighten their safeguarding measures.
“It is totally unacceptable and makes the Queen vulnerable," he said. "This is very worrying and things really need to change.”
For the second time in just one month, Her Majesty was faced with the arrival of some uninvited guests.
On Sunday, April 25, a 31-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman were caught wandering around the grounds of Windsor Castle and arrested 'on suspicion of being found in or upon enclosed premises.'
The couple gained access to the prestigious Berkshire estate, where the Queen has resided throughout the pandemic, by scaling its fence and dodging the eye of security. They were taken to Maidenhead police station following their arrest but later released on bail.
Princess Diana's former bodyguard has called for stricter security measures after the recent intrusions of Windsor Castle
The security breach came just six days after another intruder trespassed into Windsor Castle. A 43-year-old woman was admitted entry after she told the guards at the gates that she had a lunch date with Prince Andrew. She even managed to enter the Royal Lodge, where she raised alarm bells by telling a staff member she was the duke's fiancée. She was subsequently arrested and sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
The incidents have highlighted the need for stricter security at Windsor Castle, where Her Majesty enjoys horse riding and walking with her beloved dogs in her free time.
"This is an astonishing lapse," an inside source told the Sun in response to the latest intrusion. "Everyone was on high alert after the first intruder, now this happens. Heads could roll. It is unforgivable.”
This isn't the first time the Queen has experienced security violations.
In July 1982, the monarch was given a terrible fright when she awoke to an intruder in her bedroom at Buckingham Palace. Michael Fagan, 31, had climbed over the palace walls and sneaked into Her Majesty's sleeping quarters at approximately 7.15 am. He had managed to gain access by climbing the building's drain pipe and entering it through an open office window.
The Queen experienced another security violation in 1982 when intruder Michael Fagan broke into her bedroom.
The Queen immediately sought help when she noticed her unwanted visitor, calling her security via her nightstand phone. When they failed to answer, she alerted a passing maid, who successfully managed to cajole Fagan away with the promise of a cigarette. The police were then called and Fagan, who was intoxicated with liquor at the time, was arrested and eventually committed to a psychiatric institution.
Security has significantly improved at Buckingham Palace since this incident, but the Queen still prefers to reside at Windsor Castle, which is about an hour's drive from Central London.
"Buckingham Palace is not homely," explained royal biographer Penny Juror. "It is a functional building with few creature comforts. The Queen feels more at home at Windsor."
However, with the recent security concerns, it looks like Her Majesty needs to make an urgent decision to ensure her protection. "So she must either return to London and be safe, or beef up security elsewhere," Penny said. "My vote would be the latter."
