Royal security scare as intruder, 39, with 'heavy rucksack' is arrested after breaking into Kensington Palace grounds twice just days before Christmas
An intruder with a 'heavy rucksack' is alleged to have twice climbed into the grounds of Kensington Palace in the days leading up to Christmas.
An intruder with a 'heavy rucksack' is alleged to have twice climbed into the grounds of Kensington Palace in the days leading up to Christmas.
Derek Egan, 39, allegedly scaled a fence and got into the gardens, where he was arrested on both occasions, before being charged with two counts of trespassing.
Egan was arrested then released on police bail after his first alleged intrusion on December 21, only to be arrested again on December 23.
He is now being held in custody and royal aides have been informed of the security breaches, according to The Sun.
An intruder was reportedly intercepted by officers from the Met Police Royal and Specialist Protection Command, who were scrambled to search the palace gardens.
Kensington Palace is the official residence of ten Royal Family members including Prince William and Princess Catherine, although the couple's main family home has been Adelaide Cottage, in Windsor, since 2022.
It's understood they were not at the palace at the time of either intrusion, but were staying at Anmer Hall, their private country home on the Sandringham estate.
Egan was due to appear at Bromley Magistrates' Court on Christmas Eve and was remanded in custody that day - although unconfirmed reports suggest he refused to leave his prison van.
An intruder climbed a fence into the gardens of Kensington Palace twice in the days leading up to Christmas
They were arrested into the gardens on both occasions, and not believed to have gained entry to any buildings
Kensington Palace is the official resident of the Prince and Princess of Wales, though it's understood they were not on the grounds at the times of the intrusions
The Met confirmed he subsequently appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, where he was again remanded in custody to appear at the same court on January 6.
Egan's plea will be confirmed during that hearing on Tuesday.
While in the dock, Egan reportedly burst out with abuse and hammered on the glass.
District Judge Sam Goozee said: 'I am going to proceed in a hearing in his absence on January 6 in view of his disorderly behaviour to officers of the court and the court itself.
'I am not granting him bail.
'The Attorney General needs to consider any further security risks before granting consent to prosecute.'