Fears for Queen after 'fake priest' ate, drank and SLEPT at Windsor Castle

Fears for the Queen
(Image credit: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The Queen is facing security fears after an intruder broke into and slept at Windsor Castle. 

There are fears for the Queen's protection after reports that an intruder managed to breach security before spending the night at the base close to Windsor Castle.

The trespasser allegedly claimed to be a priest and a friend of Victoria Barracks' padre before joining Royal Guardsmen in the mess for food and drinks before staying over - yards from Windsor Castle.

It's understood soldiers at the gate were approached by the 'fake priest' before spent the night eating and drinking before being offered a bed for the night - despite having no identification.

A source told TalkTV, "This is just an extraordinary breach of security. The guy turned up at the gate in the evening and said his name was Father Cruise and claimed to be a friend of the battalion's Padre Rev Matt Coles. He was telling lots of tall stories and the lads were enjoying his banter and having a few drinks."

The Queen, who was at Sandringham at the time, travelled back to her Windsor home just hours after the trespasser was caught at 9.20am last Wednesday after he had been served breakfast and a major investigation has been launched.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence, said, “The Army takes this breach of security extremely seriously and it will be thoroughly investigated as a matter of priority. This incident is now part of an ongoing investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

The Queen returned to work last week when she hosted an audience at Windsor Castle.

It comes just five months after reports a crossbow intruder got into the grounds of Windsor Castle on Christmas Day and just last month Prince Harry expressed his concern for his grandmother, during US network NBC’s Today Show he said, "She’s always got a great sense of humour with me and I’m just making sure that she’s protected and got the right people around her."

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Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle had a secret meeting with the Queen but the Duke of Sussex has his own security fears over visiting the UK with his children Archie and Lilibet Diana.

In the interview he revealed he wasn't sure if he would be attending the Queen's upcoming Platinum Jubilee celebrations. “I don’t know yet, there’s lots of things – security issues and everything else. So this is what I’m trying to do, trying to make it possible that, you know, I can get my kids to meet her,” he added.

Her Majesty has made Windsor Castle her permanent home in recent months after leaving Buckingham Palace following her health fears.

Selina Maycock
Senior Family Writer

Selina is a Senior Family Writer for GoodtoKnow and has more than 16 years years of experience. She specialises in royal family news, including the latest activities of Prince George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet. She also covers the latest government, health and charity advice for families. Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism, and gained her NCTJ and NCE qualifications. During her career, she’s also written for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman&Home, and Woman's Weekly as well as Heat magazine, Bang Showbiz - and the Scunthorpe Telegraph. When she's not covering family news, you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories (including award-winning scarecrows!)