A man has been arrested after attempting to break into Windsor Castle earlier today (25 December).
The Queen was in her personal quarters getting ready to greet Prince Charles and Camilla when armed police apprehended the man who had broken into the grounds, according to the Mirror.
The man, who was reported to be carrying an offensive weapon, did not manage to get into any buildings and is now in police custody, Thames Valley Police have confirmed.
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A palace source told the Mirror: "It is obviously a worry to have to deal with a break in like this, especially after Her Majesty has been through so much this year and in the lead up to Christmas.
"There will have to be a major evaluation of the security procedures and protocols after this event.
"Fortunately the intruder was apprehended and police were on the scene almost immediately but there is a chill in the air over what could have been."
Superintendent Rebecca Mears, said in a statement: “An investigation is ongoing following this incident and we are working with colleagues from the Metropolitan Police.
“The man has been arrested on suspicion of breach or trespass of a protected site and possession of an offensive weapon. He remains in custody at this time.
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“We can confirm security processes were triggered within moments of the man entering the grounds and he did not enter any buildings.
“Members of the Royal Family have been informed about the incident. We do not believe there is a wider danger to the public.”
Earlier today, the Queen’s speech paid a touching tribute to her husband Philip, who died in April.
Opening the address to the nation she paid tribute to her late husband, saying he had been 'her strength'.
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She said: "He is someone who doesn't take easily to compliments, but he has quite simply been my strength and stay all these years.
"And I and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim or we shall ever know.
"Although it's a time of a great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones, this year especially I understand why.
"But for me in the months since the death of my beloved Philip, I have drawn great comfort from the warmth and affection of the many tributes to his life and work. From around the country, the Commonwealth and the world.
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"His sense of service, intellectual curiosity and capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation were all irrepressible. That mischievous inquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him but life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings.
"And as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas. We felt his presence as we, like many millions around the world, readied ourselves for Christmas.
"While Covid again means we can't celebrate quite as we may have wished, we can still enjoy the many happy traditions."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: UK News, Royal Family