Holiday drama at the London palace

Prince William and Kate Middleton had a very unfestive guest right before Christmas. A 39-year-old man named Derek Egan was charged after allegedly slipping into the palace grounds twice on December 21 and December 23, 2025. He was arrested for trespassing on a protected site and breaking bail conditions, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Even though Kensington Palace is the London home of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Prince and Princess of Wales were reportedly not there at the time the crime happened. In fact, the Wales family was staying at Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate, spending time with their three children (Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis) during the holiday school break.

Royals carry on with Christmas tradition

Just days after the drama, the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children made a dazzling appearance at the Christmas Day service at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Norfolk. Even though Kensington Palace does not respond to inquiries about security matters, reports confirm that Derek Egan never made it inside the palace itself, as he was stopped on the public side thanks to security cameras.

Courtroom and what comes next for the intruder

According to The Times, Derek Egan appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on December 30, 2025, and admitted the charges. Another hearing is scheduled for January 6, although the judge has ordered that it will proceed without him, as he reportedly behaved disorderly toward court officers. Bail was denied, with the judge stating that a custodial sentence is possible.