A man has been charged following two separate security breaches at Kensington Palace in the days leading up to Christmas, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed.
Double Security Breach at Royal Residence
Derek Egan, aged 39, was arrested on two occasions after allegedly trespassing on the protected grounds of the royal palace. The first incident occurred on Sunday, 21 December 2025, with the second taking place just two days later on Tuesday, 23 December.
Egan was initially arrested on suspicion of trespassing on a protected site at Palace Green, Kensington. Following the second breach, he was subsequently charged with the same offence, alongside an additional charge of breaching his bail conditions.
Court Appearance and Legal Ramifications
The accused was remanded in custody and appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 24 December. Trespassing on a site designated as protected under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA) 2005 is a criminal offence, carrying potentially serious penalties.
Kensington Palace is the official London residence for several senior members of the Royal Family, most notably the Prince and Princess of Wales, who occupy Apartment 1A. A palace spokesperson indicated that the royal couple were not in residence at the time of the incidents.
Royal Family Not in Residence During Incidents
It is understood that Prince William and Princess Catherine, along with their three children, were at their country home, Anmer Hall, on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. The family had recently moved into their new Windsor home, Forest Lodge, in November 2025, having vacated Adelaide Cottage in Windsor's Home Park.
The repeated breaches at one of the nation's most high-profile royal palaces will inevitably raise questions about perimeter security and protection protocols for designated sites. The Metropolitan Police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incidents is likely ongoing.
