The comedian who managed to gatecrash Prince William's 21sth birthday bash at Windsor Castle has been explaining how he managed to elude police officers guarding the event.
Aaron Barschak sparked a major overhaul of royal security, after he sneaked into the party, climbed onto the stage where Wills was making a thank-you speech, and broke into a comedy routine. The 36-year-old even took the microphone from the Prince's hand and gave him a kiss on each cheek.
But questions of how he managed to get into the castle have left royal protection officers red-faced. After climbing over three perimeter walls, without being challenged by police, Aaron saw a car with someone sitting inside. "I decided to pretend I was one of the guests and rather drunk," reveals the intruder, who was wearing a dress and an Osama Bin Laden-style beard and turban. "I meandered up to him, put on a very posh accent and said 'Hello, I am Cinderella Qaeda'."
"He burst out laughing. I asked him if he was a taxi service and he told me he was one of the contractors and looking after the generators. He then offered to walk me back to the party… The poor man had absolutely no idea what I was up to and was perfectly friendly throughout. I couldn't believe I was being taken inside the castle by a member of staff. He walked me through an archway and then said he would have to check me in at the police lodge.
"He told them that I had lost my way and needed to get back to the party. I didn't have to say anything. The policeman immediately started giving me directions."
Security officers didn't realise Barschak was an intruder until after he had given his unscheduled performance to the royal revellers. He was then arrested and charged under prevention of terrorism legislation, but this was later dropped to a burglary charge and he was released on bail.
Home Secretary David Blunkett has told Scotland Yard that "heads will roll" over the incident and at least one Royal Protection officer is expected to lose his job. For his part, Aaron insists his antics were meant as a simple prank and no harm was intended.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
