Security alert as tourist flies drone over Windsor Castle

An American tourist caused quite a scare by flying a drone close to Windsor Castle, where The Queen was in residence. The unmanned aircraft was spotted flying within 50 metres of the castle, and was being controlled by a remote.

The drone was reportedly being used to film a video, and was brought down due to the security risks involved. By flying the drone over the

A tourist has been spoken to by police after flying a drone over Windsor Castle.

walls of the royal building, the man was violating Article 167 of the Air Navigation Order 2009, which bans anyone from flying small, unmanned surveillance craft within 50 metres of a structure not owned by them.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Service, who are in charge of guarding Windsor Castle and other royal residences across the UK, told the man off for his actions. They spoke to him about the legislation and told him to destroy all his footage of the castle, but no further action has been taken.

“He wanted an aerial video to put on YouTube,” an eyewitness told The Sun. “But he was told to destroy the footage. The drone was huge, about 3ft long.”

“The drone was flown close to the wall and it was up for nearly ten minutes before the police arrived,” another spectator added. “They just wanted to put some exciting video on the internet. They were unaware they’d done anything wrong, but it was a foolish thing to do.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Scotland Yard said that they “can confirm on Monday 27 April at 8.15pm, officers from the MPS stopped a man who was flying an unmanned aerial vehicle within 50 metres of a building not under his control contrary to Civil Aviation Legislation.”

Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the world, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It was built during the reign of William the Conqueror and St George’s Chapel on the castle grounds is the final resting place of numerous Monarchs, including The Queen’s parents King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Her Majesty often stays at Windsor on weekends, and sometimes uses it as a venue for banquets and other royal events.

photo credit: CameliaTWU (off for a while) via photopin cc