In a chilling breach of royal security, masked intruders scaled a six-foot fence to gain access to the Windsor Castle estate, just steps away from where the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children were peacefully sleeping.
The shocking incident unfolded as the family enjoyed a quiet night at their residence, Adelaide Cottage, while chaos erupted mere minutes from their doorstep.
The audacious raid saw the two intruders reportedly use a stolen truck to smash through a security gate, gaining access to Shaw Farm on the estate.
Once inside, they made off with a farm pick-up truck and a quad bike, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The now-destroyed gate is notably one of the closest exits to Adelaide Cottage, a route often used by William, Kate, and their children—George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six—for their daily comings and goings.
Reports suggest that alarms were triggered during the raid, but it wasn’t until the security barrier at Shaw Farm Gate was smashed down that the incident was fully realised.
At the time of the incident, King Charles was in Scotland, and Queen Camilla was away in India. This latest breach has reignited concerns over the security arrangements at Windsor Castle, especially after armed officers were reportedly removed from some public entrances.
© Steve Christo - CorbisWhile the estate remains patrolled, the raid raises pressing questions about how intruders were able to carry out such a daring act on Crown Estate property.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the burglary, which occurred just before midnight on Sunday, October 13. A spokesperson revealed: “Offenders entered a farm building and made off with a black Isuzu pick-up and a red quad bike. They then made off towards the Old Windsor/Datchet area. No arrests have been made, and an investigation is ongoing.”
© GettyAdelaide Cottage, where the Wales family relocated in the summer of 2022, has become their peaceful sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of Kensington Palace.
The Grade II-listed property, nestled within the private 655-acre Windsor Great Park, offers the family privacy and simplicity.
© ShutterstockUnlike other royal residences, Adelaide Cottage required no costly renovations or extensive security upgrades when the family moved in. Its four-bedroom layout is modest by royal standards, with no live-in staff, a choice made to maintain a more grounded lifestyle for the family.
Originally built in 1831 as a retreat for Queen Adelaide, wife of William IV, the cottage is steeped in history. It was a favorite breakfast spot for Queen Victoria and later became infamous as the home of Group Captain Peter Townsend, whose romance with Princess Margaret rocked the monarchy. Its timeless charm remains, with features like a gilded ceiling in the principal bedroom and a marble Graeco-Egyptian fireplace offering a glimpse into its regal past.
The raid isn’t the first time Windsor Castle has faced security scares. On Christmas Day 2021, an intruder armed with a crossbow was apprehended after climbing a fence, claiming he intended to harm the late Queen Elizabeth II. Jaswant Singh Chail, the 23-year-old perpetrator, was later sentenced to nine years in prison for treason.
