Overview
- The Home Office designated the area a protected site under Section 128 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, making trespass a criminal offence and allowing police to arrest without another offence.
- A six-mile perimeter with fencing, CCTV and no‑entry signs now limits access to parts of Windsor Great Park, with reports suggesting roughly 150 acres are affected.
- The Crown Estate says the boundary was set with Thames Valley Police and the Royal Household and that it is working to minimise disruption, including seeking alternative sites for the Environmental Centre with BBOWT.
- Residents report closed walking and riding routes, parking difficulties and reduced value of £60 local access permits; a children’s environmental education centre is paused and two nearby families were reportedly relocated.
- Kensington Palace declined to discuss security as a royal source said complaints are minimal, while former Royal Protection head Dai Davies and Windsor MP Jack Rankin argue the measures are necessary.