Topline
A man who was arrested at Windsor Castle last year while carrying a crossbow was charged Tuesday with treason under an 1842 law that criminalizes carrying a weapon in the Queen’s presence with “intent to injure or alarm her Majesty.”
People walk along the Long Walk leading up to Windsor Castle on May 8, 2018.
Key Facts
In addition to the treason charge, British prosecutors charged 20-year-old Jaswant Singh Chail with threats to kill and possession of an offensive weapon.
The charges came as a result of an investigation from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command.
Chail will appear in court August 17.
Key Background
During the time of the incident on Christmas Day, Queen Elizabeth was inside the castle with Prince Charles, his wife, Camilla, and other family members. The perpetrator was apprehended before he could enter any buildings.
Tangent
Though rare, this is not the first time someone has attempted to enter the queen’s residence. In 1982, Michael Fagan scaled the side of Buckingham Palace and woke up the queen in her bedroom. The incident was depicted in the most recent season of The Crown, though it showed Fagan and Queen Elizabeth having a much lengthier interaction than what actually occurred.
Further Reading
Treason Act charge after Windsor Castle crossbow incident (BBC)
Man charged under Treason Act after crossbow incident at Windsor Castle (The Guardian)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2022/08/02/man-nabbed-with-crossbow-at-windsor-castle-charged-with-treason/