A man has been sentenced to 28 months in prison after threatening Queen Camilla with a LEGO brick during a royal engagement in a shocking security breach that has raised questions about royal protection.
Paul Anderson, 59, approached the Queen Consort as she arrived at London's prestigious Royal Albert Hall for a gala evening in February, brandishing the plastic building brick in what prosecutors described as a deliberate act of intimidation.
The Royal Albert Hall Incident
The alarming confrontation occurred on February 13th as Queen Camilla, now 76, was greeted by crowds ahead of a classical music concert. Anderson pushed through security lines and extended his arm toward the royal, clutching the LEGO piece while shouting threats that left both the Queen and her security team visibly shaken.
Southwark Crown Court heard how Anderson had travelled specifically to London with the intention of confronting the royal. The incident lasted mere seconds but prompted immediate intervention from the Queen's protection officers, who swiftly detained the assailant.
Criminal History and Sentencing
Judge Usha Karu described Anderson as a "prolific offender" with an extensive criminal record spanning multiple decades. The court revealed this wasn't his first offence against the royal family - Anderson had previously been convicted for threatening behaviour during another royal event in 2021.
"You deliberately targeted the Queen Consort, knowing your actions would cause alarm and distress," Judge Karu stated during sentencing. "There can be no tolerance for behaviour that threatens members of the royal family."
Security Implications
The incident has sparked serious concerns about royal security protocols, particularly given the seemingly innocuous nature of the weapon involved. Security experts have noted that while a LEGO brick might appear harmless, any object can become dangerous in the wrong circumstances.
A royal security source commented: "This serves as a stark reminder that threats can come in many forms. Our protection officers are trained to treat any approach with the utmost seriousness, regardless of the object being brandished."
Anderson pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour and was sentenced to 28 months imprisonment. The court also issued a five-year restraining order prohibiting him from contacting any member of the royal family or attending royal events upon his release.
