Masked intruders breached the Windsor Castle estate in a brazen act of trespass, just steps away from Adelaide Cottage, where Prince William, Princess Catherine, and their three children were asleep. The shocking incident unfolded late Sunday night, October 13, sparking new concerns over royal security.
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The culprits scaled a six-foot fence and reportedly used a stolen truck to smash through a security gate, gaining access to Shaw Farm on the estate. They made off with a farm pick-up truck and a quad bike, leaving behind a damaged gate—a route often used by the Wales family for daily outings. Alarms were triggered during the intrusion, but the full extent of the breach wasn’t realised until the gate was destroyed.
At the time, King Charles was in Scotland, and Queen Camilla was in India. This latest security lapse raises pressing questions about protections at Windsor Castle, especially following reports of reduced armed officer presence at some public entrances.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the burglary, stating: “Offenders entered a farm building and made off with a black Isuzu pick-up and a red quad bike. They then fled towards the Old Windsor/Datchet area. No arrests have been made, and an investigation is ongoing.”
Adelaide Cottage, where the Wales family relocated in 2022, is known for its historical charm and modest layout. Nestled in the private 655-acre Windsor Great Park, the Grade II-listed home offers privacy but lacks extensive security modifications.
This incident echoes past breaches, including the 2021 Christmas Day arrest of an intruder armed with a crossbow who threatened the late Queen Elizabeth II. As investigations continue, the raid highlights vulnerabilities in the Crown Estate’s security infrastructure.
