Prince William and his family are facing renewed security concerns after a suspected stalker allegedly trespassed at Kensington Palace on two separate occasions within days, prompting alarm over royal protection protocols.
According to a report by Radaronline.com, the alleged stalker, identified as Derek Egan, was arrested after reportedly climbing the fence at Kensington Palace on December 21 and again on December 23.
Following the first incident, Egan was released on police bail. However, after the second alleged trespass, he was detained by the Metropolitan Police’s Royal and Specialist Protection Command.
The suspect has since been charged with two counts of trespassing and is currently being held in custody.
Why Kensington Palace is highly sensitive
Kensington Palace serves as a primary residence for senior members of the Royal Family and royal staff. It is also the London home of Prince William and his wife, Princess Kate.
Any unauthorised entry into the palace grounds is therefore treated as a serious security matter due to the presence of high-profile royals and their families.
Dai Davies, the former head of the Metropolitan Police’s Royal and Specialist Protection branch, voiced strong concern over the incident.
“The fact he repeated the offence after being given bail, given the nature of it, gives serious cause for concern,” Davies said.
He questioned why the suspect was granted bail following the first arrest, adding: “The police must work out what level of danger the Royal Family was in, and based on the charges, why on Earth he was given bail?”
Focus on motive
Davies stressed that any attempt to enter Kensington Palace must be thoroughly investigated.
“Any attempt to get into Kensington Palace needs careful investigation into the motive, any mental health concerns, and if the person is fixated on a royal,” he said.
He added that if the suspect was not already on a security watch list, “he certainly will be now.”
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