Met apologises for royal security breach
Metropolitan police in charge of security for Prince William’s 21st birthday bash at Windsor Castle have issued an apology to the Royal Family for allowing a ‘comedy terrorist’ to gatecrash the party.
Scotland Yard Commissioner Sir John Stevens described the incident at Windsor Castle on Saturday evening as an ‘appalling’ breach of security.
Aaron Barschak appears to have climbed the wall around the castle before being led to a checkpoint by a contractor working on the party, where he convinced police that he had a right to be there.
Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner David Veness condemned the security breach as he explained to reporters how Barschak had gained access to the castle.
Scotland Yard is due to present a report to Home Secretary David Blunkett today on how the comedian, dressed in a peach dress as terror leader Osama Bin Laden, succeeded in getting past security and into Prince William’s birthday celebrations.
Barschak, 36, managed to leap onstage during the Prince’s speech, dressed in a turban, dress, sunglasses and false beard.
The guests thought he was part of the entertainment when he grabbed the microphone and launched into a comedy routine until the Prince signalled to his private detective and Barschak was arrested.
He has been bailed pending further enquiries and must return to a London police station next month.
The incident has sparked concern over security around the Royal family and Mr Blunkett ordered an immediate investigation.
Prince William laughed off the breach, joking: ‘I didn’t know my brother could do an accent like that.’
An independent senior officer, Commander Frank Armstrong from City of London Police, is carrying out the report.
Mr Barschak’s father has insisted that his son would not harm anyone and is not anti-royal. He suggested that his son undertook the stunt to publicise his appearance at the Edinburgh Festival this year.
Barschak had earlier been led away by police after cavorting outside the party in his bizarre costume. He then is believed to have scaled an embankment and climbed a tree to enter the party.
The 300 guests at the party included all the senior royals except for Prince Edward.
