Kensington Palace intruder arrested after 'breaking into Prince William and Kate Middleton's home twice'
Police say he was arrested after two separate alleged incidentsKensington Palace was on high alert when an intruder carrying a ‘heavy rucksack’ allegedly climbed into the grounds of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s home before Christmas – twice.
It’s said the intrusions reportedly took place just days before Christmas.
Royal aides have been informed of the security breach and the alleged intruder is being held in custody.
Kensington Palace security scare after intruder climbs into grounds
The Sun reports Derek Egan, 39, allegedly scaled a fence and climbed into the gardens of Kensington Palace with security responding to the intruder.
He was reportedly arrested and then released on police bail after the first incident on December 21. Egan then allegedly did the same again two days later and was arrested on December 23 following another intrusion.
He has now been charged with two counts of trespassing.
The intruder was said to be intercepted by officers from the Met Police Royal and Specialist Protection Command. Officers rushed to search the palace gardens after he scaled the boundary.
The accused, Egan, was seen carrying a heavy rucksack, it’s been reported.
Former head of the Met Police’s Royal and Specialist Protection branch Dai Davies told the outlet it was concerning. He said: “The fact he repeated the offending after being given bail, given the nature of it, gives serious cause for concern.”
Intruder to appear in court
Egan was due to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Christmas Eve. But unconfirmed reports state he refused to leave the prison van. It’s said he was remanded in custody that day. He then appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, and again remanded in custody. He is set to appear at the same court on January 6.
A statement from Met Police reads: “On Tuesday, 23 December, Derek Egan, 39 (23.05.86) of Clayfield Way, Hillingdon was charged with trespassing on a protected site and breaching bail conditions.
“He was remanded in custody and appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 24 December.
“The charges relate to incidents on Sunday, 21 December and Tuesday, 23 December when Egan was arrested on suspicion of trespassing on a protected site in Palace Green, Kensington.”
William and Kate’s home
Kensington Palace is the current home for ten members of The Firm and staff. This includes Prince William, Princess Catherine, and although they live in Windsor at the moment, they use Kensington as their London base of operations.
It’s understood they were not in the residence at the time of the alleged intrusion. It’s believed they were at their private country home on the Sandringham estate, Anmer Hall, with other members of the royals for the festive period.
Duke of Gloucester, the late Queen’s cousin, 81, also lives at Kensington Palace. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s daughter Princess Eugenie also uses it as one of her official residences along with husband Jack Brooksbank and their two sons. The family use Nottingham Cottage in the grounds. Whereas Prince and Princess of Michael of Kent and the Duke of Kent also live there, at Wren House.
The Prince and Princess of Wales’ main family home has been Adelaide Cottage since 2022. However, the couple are also planning a huge move to Forest Lodge to make it their ‘forever home’. It’s said it can offer more security and privacy for their family.
Kensington Palace and Met Police have been approached for comment.
Forest Lodge ‘forever home’
The Wales’ move to Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom mansion, offers more space for their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. However, security experts revealed that changes being made to the property are being made to protect the family.
Former head of Royal Protection Command Dai Davies has revealed that the “six-mile exclusion zone” around the estate is to avoid ‘credible threats’ the family have faced.
Initially neighbours were upset about the plan, as it would cut off a large area enjoyed by dog-walkers and ramblers. However, Davies says it’s more for the protection of the royal family rather than to have more space.
He adds that by expanding the exclusion zone, it offers a bigger response time if a threat emerges.
“More distance means more time. And time is a lifesaver,” he wrote in the Daily Mail.
Read more: Prince Harry calls out police protection saying ‘inadequate’ security was a ‘trap’
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