Two tourists caused a stir when they accidentally wandered into Prince Andrew’s estate through a gap in the security gates.
The incident occurred at the Royal Lodge, where the Duke of York currently resides within the Windsor estate.
It remains unclear whether Prince Andrew was present at the time of the intrusion, but photographs from the scene reveal an enticing opening in the wrought iron gates with no security personnel in sight.
Reports suggest that the gate attendant was stationed in a nearby hut when the tourists attempted to pry the gates open further, eager to explore the grounds of the Royal Lodge.
Another man can be seen in the pictures, engaging with the smiling intruders before inspecting the doorway.
It is unknown how long the tourists had been left to wander before their presence was discovered.
The Royal Lodge, a luxurious 30-bedroom residence spanning approximately 98 acres of land, has been home to Prince Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson (affectionately known as Fergie), for nearly two decades.
However, this is not the first time the estate has witnessed such incidents.
In a previous occurrence, a well-dressed woman claiming to be Prince Andrew’s fiancée was found on the grounds by security personnel.
In 2021, Thames Valley Police confirmed that a woman named Irene Windsor gained access to the estate, asserting that she was attending a formal dinner as Prince Andrew’s fiancée.
She was discovered with maps of the property in her possession and proceeded to wander the grounds for approximately 20 minutes before being escorted off the premises.
Although she was found with a cat-shaped self-defense key ring containing two sharp prongs, there were no reports of aggression or threats during the incident.
Following the trespassing incident, the 43-year-old woman was initially arrested and later sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Thames Valley Police released a statement explaining that they had responded to a report of a female trespasser at the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park on Monday morning.
The woman was apprehended but subsequently de-arrested and placed under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.
Authorities have assured the public that there is no perceived risk to individuals on the site.
The breach in security at Prince Andrew’s estate raises concerns about the effectiveness of the gate system and the need for enhanced vigilance.
As tourists continue to flock to royal landmarks, it is crucial for security measures to be robustly maintained to ensure the safety and privacy of the British Royal Family.