Royal security scare as intruder, 39, with ‘heavy rucksack’ is arrested after breaking into Kensington Palace grounds twice just days before Christmas

An intruder with a ‘heavy rucksack’ is alleged to have twice climbed into the grounds of Kensington Palace in the days leading up to Christmas.

Derek Egan, 39, allegedly scaled a fence and got into the gardens, where he was arrested on both occasions, before being charged with two counts of trespassing.

Egan was arrested then released on police bail after his first alleged intrusion on December 21, only to be arrested again on December 23.

He is now being held in custody and royal aides have been informed of the security breaches, according to The Sun.

An intruder was reportedly intercepted by officers from the Met Police Royal and Specialist Protection Command, who were scrambled to search the palace gardens.

Kensington Palace is the official residence of ten Royal Family members including Prince William and Princess Catherine, although the couple’s main family home has been Adelaide Cottage, in Windsor, since 2022.

It’s understood they were not at the palace at the time of either intrusion, but were staying at Anmer Hall, their private country home on the Sandringham estate.

Egan was due to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Christmas Eve and was remanded in custody that day – although unconfirmed reports suggest he refused to leave his prison van.

They were arrested into the gardens on both occasions, and not believed to have gained entry to any buildings

Kensington Palace is the official resident of the Prince and Princess of Wales, though it’s understood they were not on the grounds at the times of the intrusions

The Met confirmed he subsequently appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where he was again remanded in custody to appear at the same court on January 6.

Egan’s plea will be confirmed during that hearing on Tuesday.

While in the dock, Egan reportedly burst out with abuse and hammered on the glass.

District Judge Sam Goozee said: ‘I am going to proceed in a hearing in his absence on January 6 in view of his disorderly behaviour to officers of the court and the court itself. 

‘I am not granting him bail.

‘The Attorney General needs to consider any further security risks before granting consent to prosecute.’

The Crown Prosecution Service said: ‘The charges need the Attorney General’s consent because of national security concerns, but in this case security concerns against the Royal Family.

‘The Attorney General needs to consider any further security risks before granting consent to prosecute.’

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson told the Daily Mail: ‘On Tuesday, 23 December, Derek Egan, 39 (23.05.86) of Clayfield Way, Hillingdon was charged with trespassing on a protected site and breaching bail conditions.

‘He was remanded in custody and appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 24 December.

‘The charges relate to incidents on Sunday, 21 December and Tuesday, 23 December when Egan was arrested on suspicion of trespassing on a protected site in Palace Green, Kensington.’

Kensington Palace is also the official residence of the late Queen’s cousin, the Duke of Gloucester, 81, and his wife Birgitte van Deurs, 79, who live in its Old Stables.

It is also home to Princess Eugenie, 35, daughter of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, her husband Jack Brooksbank, 39, and their two sons, who have Nottingham Cottage in the grounds.

Meanwhile, Prince Michael of Kent, 83, and his wife Princess Michael of Kent, 80, live at Wren House in the grounds, along with the Duke of Kent, 90.

It’s not clear which of the royals, if any, were in the grounds at the time of the intrusions.

The Daily Mail has contacted Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace for comment.