A man from west London has been formally charged by police following two alleged incidents of trespassing on the grounds of Kensington Palace.
Charges and Arrest Details
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Derek Egan, aged 39, from Hillingdon in Greater London, has been charged with two counts of trespassing on a protected site. The alleged offences are said to have occurred on 21 and 23 December.
"Egan was arrested on suspicion of trespassing on a protected site in Palace Green, Kensington," a police spokesperson stated. In addition to the trespass charges, he has also been charged with breaching his bail conditions.
Kensington Palace: A Protected Royal Residence
The iconic west London palace, situated within Kensington Gardens on the edge of Hyde Park, is a protected site under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA) 2005. It remains an official residence and is sometimes used by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, and their children.
While the Wales family's primary home is now Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, Kensington Palace continues to serve as their London base and office. Trespassing on such a designated site is a specific criminal offence.
Legal Context and Royal Security
This case highlights the ongoing security measures surrounding royal residences. The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 provides enhanced legal protection for designated sites, making unauthorised entry a serious matter.
The charges against Mr. Egan will now proceed through the judicial system. The Metropolitan Police have not released further details regarding the motives or circumstances of the alleged trespasses.
