London terror attack: Windsor Castle security tightened ahead of Changing of the Guards ceremony

Barriers placed around royal residence in Berkshire part of 'proportionate and necessary' measures, say police

The Changing of the Guard outside Windsor Castle (Steve Parsons/PA)

Security has been enhanced around Windsor Castle ahead of the Changing The Guard ceremony following the Westminster terror attack.

Barriers were put in place around the royal residence in Berkshire on Monday evening to support existing road closures, Thames Valley Police said.

The force said the changes were “proportionate and necessary” but that there was “no specific threat to Windsor” ahead of the next Changing The Guard on Wednesday.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Hardcastle said: “While there is no intelligence to indicate a specific threat to Windsor, recent events in Westminster clearly highlight the need for extra security measures to be introduced.

“The force believes that it is proportionate and necessary to put in place extra security measures to further protect and support the public and the guard change.

“This is consistent with security deployments in London.

“Preventative measures such as these have been put in place across the UK over the past 10 years at various events.

“The national threat level remains severe, which it has been since 2014, and I would urge the public to be alert to the threat of terror attacks but not alarmed, and to remain vigilant.”

The colourful military spectacle takes place at Windsor Castle on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in March and every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday in April, weather permitting.

Tourists flock to see soldiers in their red tunics and bearskins processing to and from the historic building to the sound of a military band.

The new barriers will only be used to secure the route of the procession during the event and will remain open at other times.

Press Association