Tourist sparks security alert at Windsor Castle

A Japanese tourist sparked a security alert at Windsor Castle - after wandering into a private area near the Queen's personal residence.

According to the royalist.com, the man got access to a restricted area used by servants and staff beneath the grand State Apartments, close to the Grand Staircase leading to St George's Hall, the setting for State banquets.

Castle wardens raised the alarms after spotting the man in the off-limits zone, and the man was questioned by police.

He was deemed to pose no security risk and was released soon after the incident on 12 February.

It is believed an internal door had accidentally been left unlocked near the Queen Mary's Dolls' House attraction, allowing the man access to the restricted area.

According to the Daily Mail, the incident has led to security being stepped up, with closer checks on visitors to the castle, as well as extra checks to prevent similar occurrences.

A Royal spokesman told the paper: "While completing the public visitor route within Windsor Castle, a visitor was able to gain inadvertent access to an administrative area which is not routinely open to the public.

"He was subsequently identified by on-duty Royal Collection Trust wardens and police officers and detained.

"He was released after checks indicated that he posed no security risk. Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family were not in residence."