Police are investigating a video linked to a man who was arrested at Windsor Castle while in possession of a crossbow. The footage, obtained by the Sun, appears to show a masked figure holding a crossbow and saying they wanted to 'assassinate the Queen' in a 'revenge' mission.
The 19-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on Christmas Day within the grounds of the castle, where the Queen was in residence. He was detained on suspicion of breach or trespass of a protected site and possession of an offensive weapon, and has since been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
The investigation has been transferred from Thames Valley police to Scotland Yard's royalty protection command. A spokesperson said security processes were triggered immediately and the man did not enter any buildings. A crossbow was recovered.
The Met would not comment on who appeared in the video but confirmed detectives are assessing its contents. The Queen, 95, and Prince Charles and Camilla were at the castle on Christmas Day, with other royals joining later.
The incident follows previous security breaches at Windsor Castle, including a 2017 terrorist plot by Mohiussunnath Chowdhury, who intended to attack the castle but ended up at a pub of the same name. In 2002, comedian Aaron Barschak gatecrashed Prince William's 21st birthday party, triggering a review that recommended the new trespass offence under which the 19-year-old was arrested.
