Man 'armed with crossbow' breaks into Queen's castle on Christmas Day

An armed man has been arrested after breaking into the grounds of Windsor Castle on Christmas Day.

Officers from Thames Valley Police (TVP) and the Metropolitan Police responded to a security breach about 8.30am (7.30pm AEDT) on Christmas Day within the grounds of the castle in Berkshire where the Queen is in residence.

Intruder 'armed with crossbow'

TVP said a 19-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of breach or trespass of a protected site and possession of an offensive weapon.

The Sunday Mirror said the arrest came after security controllers monitoring CCTV spotted a man carrying what appeared to be a crossbow.

The Mail on Sunday said sources suggested the man was armed with a crossbow and used a rope ladder to scale a metal fence.

Police did not confirm what the weapon was and it is not known where exactly the man was on the grounds and how close he got to the castle itself.

RELATED:

• Kate Middleton 'really upset' over 'hugely stressful' relationship with Harry and Meghan

• A very regal affair: Here's how the royals celebrate Christmas at Sandringham

• Prince Harry and Meghan Markle release first photo of Lilibet on Christmas card

The man, who is in custody, was not in any buildings on the estate and "security processes were triggered within moments of the man entering the grounds", police said.

The Queen spent Christmas Day at Windsor Castle and was expected to have lunch with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

Charles, Camilla, Edward and Sophie, along with their children Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn, attended a church service in St George's Chapel, in the castle grounds, at 10.45am on Christmas morning.

"An investigation is ongoing following this incident and we are working with colleagues from the Metropolitan police," TVP Superintendent Rebecca Mears said.

"The man has been arrested on suspicion of breach or trespass of a protected site and possession of an offensive weapon. He remains in custody at this time.

"We can confirm security processes were triggered within moments of the man entering the grounds and he did not enter any buildings.

"Members of the royal family have been informed about the incident. We do not believe there is a wider danger to the public."

A Buckingham Palace spokesman declined to comment.

With reporting by AAP.

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.