Police have moved a group of travellers who’d set up camp outside Queen Elizabeth’s Windsor Castle residence.
The 30 caravans and motorhomes had been set up on the front lawn of the Queen’s second home in Berkshire, where she is thought to be staying currently, but were moved on after being spoken to by police, officials and wardens.
However, they then proceeded to set up another camp less than a mile and a half away at Seymour Park, which is opposite the Royal Windsor Racecourse.
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police confirmed they’d attended after receiving a call about the unwanted visitors.
They said: “At around 6pm last night Thames Valley Police were called about an unauthorised encampment on the Long Walk in Windsor. Officers engaged with the landowner and also those in the encampment and those who had gathered dispersed.”
On Wednesday (02.06.21) the queen’s son the Duke of York was photographed driving past the group of travellers but nobody seemed to notice as Prince Andrew managed to go incognito by wearing sunglasses and headphones.
While a spokesperson for Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Council said they had not yet sought a court order forcing the group to move on again.
They said: “The encampment was set up last night at about 8pm after they were moved on from the Long Walk. The council is aware and in line with policy and statutory requirements on us welfare visits are being undertaken before any decisions are made on how to proceed. The situation will continue to be actively monitored to ensure that the impact on local residents and the environment is minimised.”
Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest castle in the world that is still lived in. It has been the home of 39 monarchs and is open to visitors. In 1992, it was badly damaged in a fire, with restoration costing £36.5 million despite early predictions suggesting the cost might be nearer the £60 million pound mark.