Homeless migrants have established a growing encampment outside one of London's most iconic residences, causing what local business owners describe as 'absolute misery' for the upmarket neighbourhood. The crisis has unfolded directly outside the 250-year-old Grade I-listed Apsley House, home to billionaire Charles Wellesley, the 80-year-old Duke of Wellington and descendant of Queen Victoria.
Shocking Conditions at Historic Landmark
Dozens of tents housing Eastern European and African migrants now occupy a small strip of greenery adjacent to the historic mansion, which stands alone on the southeast corner of Hyde Park. Approximately twelve tents currently line the property walls, with residents reportedly unable to speak English when questioned about their living situation.
Local workers have reported witnessing migrants openly urinating and defecating outside the prestigious property, while others have experienced theft problems. The situation reached a concerning peak recently when Metropolitan Police officers made multiple arrests at the site.
Police Intervention and Growing Concerns
During a visit by the Daily Mail, police arrested a 23-year-old woman on suspicion of making threats to kill other tent dwellers. Officers also detained two men aged 48 and 33, with one found in possession of a knife and piece of glass, while the other was arrested for fighting and making death threats.
Local business owners express increasing frustration with the deteriorating situation. 'They cause absolute misery,' one business owner stated. 'They just make such a beautiful area look terrible. It's such an absolutely beautiful house with so much history and heritage. But these groups make it look appalling.'
The encampment presents a stark contrast to its surroundings, positioned directly opposite the plush five-star Intercontinental Hotel where rooms cost up to £4,000 per night, and adjacent to the Wellington Monument in Hyde Park.
Failed Resolutions and Ongoing Crisis
According to locals, the first tents appeared around a year ago, with the encampment steadily expanding around the street corner. The tiny patch of grass, situated next to an entrance to Hyde Park Corner tube station, is owned by Royal Parks, but the organisation claims it lacks enforcement powers to remove the migrants.
Royal Parks officials stated they are working with Westminster City Council and English Heritage to find a resolution, but emphasised that only the Metropolitan Police possess the necessary enforcement powers under Royal Parks Regulations, which explicitly prohibit camping.
A Westminster Council spokesperson acknowledged the complexity of rough sleeping in the area, noting: 'We have more people experiencing rough sleeping than any other part of the country - as the heart of the capital, new people appear on our streets every day.'
The crisis at Apsley House represents just one of several migrant camps that have emerged across London's most affluent neighbourhoods, with similar encampments previously appearing in Mayfair, Park Lane, and Tottenham Court Road, creating ongoing challenges for authorities and residents alike.
