Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, have now stepped up to senior royal duties in support of the Queen. When they make appearances, such as at the Queen’s Birthday Parade yesterday, it is a matter of course they enjoy the highest level of protection from their security officers. However, when an uninvited guest infiltrated the Duke of Cambridge’s high-profile 21st birthday party in 2003, “no-one realised” until the prince accosted him, royal experts have revealed.
Channel 5 documentary “Royal Scandals”, which first aired in April, heard from royal experts on the embarrassing royal security breach.
Royal biographer Katie Nicholl said: “It’s impossible to believe that an imposter can get into Windsor Castle, particularly something as high-profile as Prince William’s 21st birthday party, yet that’s what happened.”
Self-styled “comedy terrorist” Aaron Barshak was caught on news footage parading around Windsor dressed as Osama Bin Laden wearing a ballgown, and making his way to the royal party, which had an "Out of Africa" theme.
Ms Nicholl added: “You can see from the footage, Barshak walking up Castle Gate, up to the Castle all dressed up as a comedy terrorist, with a big black beard and his robes!”
Prince William confronted intruder Aaron Barshak at his 21st birthday party (Image: Getty)
Prince William celebrated his 21st in 2003 (Image: Getty)
Royal expert Daisy McAndrew continued: “Of course, trying to monitor who’s meant to be there and who’s not meant to be there, when everybody is dressed in ridiculous outfits, does make it harder for the security services.
“However, the comedian was dressed in a pink dress and a fake beard, so he clearly didn’t fit with the theme.
“He should’ve set security alarm bells going much earlier than he did.”
Ms Nicholl continued: “He managed to get past the police security and into the castle, which by the way is a pretty big place!
