Jaswant Singh Chail allegedly told a protection officer “I am here to kill the Queen”.
Image source, Getty ImagesA man charged under the Treason Act after allegedly entering the grounds of Windsor Castle with a crossbow on Christmas Day has appeared in court.
The Queen was in residence at the castle when police arrested Jaswant Singh Chail.
Mr Chail, 20, who is also charged with making threats to kill and possession of an offensive weapon, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court earlier.
He was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 14 September.
Mr Chail, from Southampton, was arrested at about 08:30 GMT on 25 December last year.
Image source, Getty Images
The Met said he was stopped “within moments” of entering the grounds and he did not enter any buildings.
He has been charged with an offence under section 2 of the 1842 Treason Act, namely “discharging or aiming firearms, or throwing or using any offensive matter or weapon, with intent to injure or alarm her Majesty”, said Scotland Yard.
The Queen had been staying at Windsor Castle for Christmas, rather than spending it as usual on her Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Her Majesty was due to be joined for lunch by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, as well as the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
Under the 1842 Treason Act, it is an offence to assault the Queen, or have a firearm or offensive weapon in her presence with intent to injure or alarm her or to cause a breach of peace.