A 39-year-old man has now been charged after reportedly climbing into the palace grounds twice in the days leading up to Christmas.
Intruder arrested twice before Christmas
The suspect, identified as Derek Egan, was apprehended in the gardens of the Prince and Princess of Wales’ London residence on December 21 and again on December 23.
According to reports, the intruder was carrying a “heavy rucksack” and has since been charged with two counts of trespassing. He is currently being held in custody, and royal aides have been informed of both incidents.
Officers from the Met Police’s Royal and Specialist Protection Command allegedly arrested Mr Egan on both occasions after finding him within the palace gardens.
‘Serious cause for concern’
Former head of the Met Police’s Royal and Specialist Protection unit, Dai Davies, expressed concern over the repeated breaches.
“The fact he repeated the offending after being given bail, given the nature of it, gives serious cause for concern,” Mr Davies told The Sun.
“You never know what someone may do when they attempt to break in. There are still a number of royals living in Kensington Palace, so any intrusion is of course concerning,” he added.
“This shows the police can never be off guard when protecting our Royal Family.”
Court appearance and custody
Mr Egan was due to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court in southeast London on Christmas Eve. However, he reportedly refused to leave his prison van and was remanded in custody.
His pleas are expected to be confirmed at his next court hearing on Tuesday.
Where William and Catherine were at the time
While Kensington Palace serves as William and Catherine’s London base, their primary residence is Adelaide Cottage in Windsor. They also make use of the palace’s 20-room Apartment 1A when in the capital.
It is understood that the Prince and Princess of Wales were not at Kensington Palace during either of the alleged intrusions.
In the days leading up to the incidents, the family had been in London preparing for Christmas at Sandringham. During both break-ins, William and Catherine were believed to be staying at Anmer Hall, their private home on the Sandringham estate.
Other royals living at Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is home to nine members of the Royal Family.
The late Queen’s cousin, the Duke of Gloucester, 81, and his wife Birgitte van Deurs, 79, live on the grounds in the Old Stables.
Princess Eugenie, 35, daughter of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, resides at Nottingham Cottage with her husband Jack Brooksbank, 39, and their two sons. The property was previously home to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Elsewhere on the estate, Prince Michael of Kent, 83, and his wife Princess Michael of Kent, 80, live at Wren House, along with the Duke of Kent, 90.
