Armed intruder arrested in grounds of Windsor Castle as Queen celebrates Christmas with Prince Charles & Camilla

AN armed intruder has been arrested after attempting to break into Windsor Castle where the Queen is celebrating Christmas with her family.

Police say the man was carrying an offensive weapon but fortunately did not manage to break into any buildings during the incident this morning.

The suspect is being held in custody and the royals have been told about the incident, Thames Valley Police say.

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.”

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.

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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.

QUEEN'S SPEECH

Her Majesty delivered a poignant traditional festive address this year as she lamented Christmas without her "beloved" husband, following his death aged 99 in April.

In a deeply personal message, the monarch fondly recalled his sense of fun but also said she was “proud beyond words” of his achievements.

But despite him not being with the family to celebrate Christmas “we all felt his presence” and he would want them to enjoy themselves, she said.

As well as in her words, there were other touching tributes to the Duke Edinburgh.

Pinned to her dress was a treasured sapphire chrysanthemum brooch, worn during her honeymoon in 1947 and at their 60th wedding anniversary.

And unlike previous years, when there have been many family pictures around her, a framed photo of the Diamond Wedding couple in 2007 was the sole photo on display.

“Although it's a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones,” she said.

"This year, especially, I understand why."