A review into the King's safety has been ordered by royal security chiefs concerned that his Christmas walkabout could be targeted by protestors.
Since Charles succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth II there have been a number of incidents, including eggs being hurled at the monarch – for which a man has been arrested. Those in charge of royal protection are preparing to ramp up security to try and avoid any further breaches.
An urgent review has been ordered in a bid to prevent the traditional festive walkabout being marred by further unrest. A man allegedly managed to enter Windsor Castle with a loaded crossbow on Christmas Day last year.
The Mirror reported a royal source as saying: “This isn’t just about individuals with eggs, everyone is extremely aware it could be far worse.” The security review comes after Charles was targeted by activists hurling eggs when meeting the public during visits to York and Luton.
A source with knowledge of the discussions said police chiefs are “concerned” at the possibility of further disturbances. The insider added: “A full-scale review is in place to make sure the right evacuation procedures are in place.”
The police’s Royal and VIP Executive Committee, responsible for security, met up to re-evaluate plans to evacuate the King and Camilla if they are targeted again in public. Palace officials also held emergency talks.
Former Met Police chief superintendent and head of the royal protection unit Dai Davies said: “We must defend the right to peaceful protest, but all officers and their superiors must have a razor-sharp focus in the wake of this increase in disturbance. There is no magic solution to this pattern of attacks or protests, but intelligence and exit strategies are the most important factor.
"The egg incidents show the vulnerability of the royals. The key is to make sure these incidents do not spiral. As the IRA famously said after the Grand Hotel bombing, ‘We only have to get lucky once, you have to be lucky all the time’.”
On September 17, a protester confronted the King over the cost of the monarchy during a visit to Cardiff. He shouted: “Charles, while we struggle to heat our homes we have to pay for your parade. The taxpayer pays £100million for you, and for what?”
Extinction Rebellion activist Patrick Thelwell, 23, will appear before magistrates on January 20 charged with a public order offence. In Luton on December 6, Charles was the target of another egg throwing incident when greeting well-wishers.
Jaswant Singh Chail, 20, of Southampton, is due to stand trial under the Treason Act next year accused of intending to harm the late Queen over the alleged crossbow incident. Sources say the Royal Family will be the subject of further protests as Britain battles political unrest and a cost of living crisis.
All senior royals are expected to join the short walk alongside the King and Queen Consort on Christmas morning from Sandringham to St Mary Magdalene church. The Prince and Princess of Wales are due to arrive with their children, George, nine, Charlotte, seven, and four-year-old Louis, who will for the first time join the annual public meet and greet.
Several hundred people usually turn up to the event. Buckingham Palace and the Met both said they would not comment on security matters.
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