A huge ‘ring of steel’ around Prince William and Princess Kate’s new home in Windsor has proved unpopular with dog walkers – but a former Royal security chief explained why it’s necessary
A controversial six-mile exclusion zone around Prince William and Princess Kate’s new home is necessary for one very ‘serious’ reason, according to a former royal police chief.
The Prince and Princess of Wales moved in to Windsor’s Forest Lodge with their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – in October, with the eight-bedroom property thought to be ideal for their young family. They had previously been living at the Adelaide Cottage, having moved to Windsor from London in 2022.
However, aggrieved local dog-walkers have since slammed a six-mile security perimeter put in place around the home as a security measure, having discovered they are no longer able to access popular woodland walking areas as a result.
This ‘ring of steel’ has reportedly been implemented under Section 128 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.
In new comments about the measure, former Met Police head of Royal protection, Dai Davies, said the area around the home would have been identified by officials as the “highest priority” for national security, as William is next in line for the throne, and his children are second, third and fourth respectively.
Threats from terrorists and organised criminals would have left the security services with little other choice but to restrict access to parts of Windsor’s Great Park, he argued, writing in the Daily Mail: “Any suggestion that the family’s need for privacy played a significant part in the decision is, in my view, so wide of the mark as to be laughable.”
“It’s understandable that ramblers, dog walkers and some neighbours are peeved that the land in Windsor Great Park that was previously open to all is now fenced off.
“But their right to roam is not more important than the Royal Family’s need for protection from terrorists and others intent on doing them harm.
“This is a question of priorities. And the safety of the heir to the throne is the highest priority imaginable.”
It comes after a smiling King Charles greeted well-wishers after attending church in Sandringham on Sunday.
The King, dressed in a brown full-length coat and grey suit, smiled and waved at the small crowd gathered outside St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk estate.
He was joined for the service by nephew Peter Phillips, the son of the Princess Royal, and his fiancee Harriet Sperling, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
The King’s appearance follows his visit to the same church on Christmas Day, when he was joined by the Queen and other senior royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales.
