The establishment of a substantial six-mile security perimeter around the new Windsor home of the Prince and Princess of Wales has sparked local frustration, but a former head of royal protection has insisted the measure is a critical necessity.
Security Trumps Public Access in Windsor Great Park
Prince William and Princess Kate, along with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, moved into the eight-bedroom Forest Lodge in Windsor during October. The property, situated within the Windsor estate, was seen as an ideal setting for their young family following their previous residence at Adelaide Cottage and their initial 2022 move from London.
However, the implementation of a so-called 'ring of steel' around the home has angered some locals, particularly dog walkers, who have found themselves barred from previously accessible woodland paths within Windsor's Great Park. The security cordon is understood to be enforced under Section 128 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.
Why the Heir to the Throne Warrants Top-Level Protection
In a detailed defence of the security arrangements, Dai Davies, the former Metropolitan Police chief responsible for royal protection, stated that the area surrounding the Wales's home would be treated as the 'highest priority' for national security. He emphasised that this is due to Prince William's position as the direct heir to the throne, with his children next in the line of succession.
Writing in the Daily Mail, Davies argued that threats from terrorists and organised criminal groups left security services with minimal alternatives to restricting public access. He directly countered suggestions that the family's desire for privacy was a significant factor, calling such claims "wide of the mark as to be laughable."
"It's understandable that ramblers, dog walkers and some neighbours are peeved," Davies wrote. "But their right to roam is not more important than the Royal Family's need for protection from terrorists and others intent on doing them harm."
A Question of National Priorities
Davies framed the issue as a fundamental matter of safeguarding the future of the monarchy. "This is a question of priorities," he stated unequivocally. "And the safety of the heir to the throne is the highest priority imaginable."
The security discussion unfolds against a backdrop of continued royal public engagements. The comments follow a Sunday appearance by King Charles, who was seen smiling and waving to well-wishers after attending a church service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. He was accompanied by nephew Peter Phillips, his fiancée Harriet Sperling, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
This public outing mirrored the King's Christmas Day appearance at the same church, where he was joined by the Queen and other senior royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales.
