Man arrested after drone breach at Windsor ahead of Trump state visit, police say
37-year-old held on suspicion of flying a drone into a restricted area as large-scale security operation and protests accompany the US president's visit
A 37-year-old man was arrested at Windsor Great Park on suspicion of flying a drone into a temporarily restricted area ahead of US President Donald Trump's state visit, Thames Valley Police said.
President Trump and his wife, Melania, were due to arrive in London late on Tuesday for a two-day state visit during which they will be hosted by the King at Windsor Castle and by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers. The arrest was described by police as related to airspace restrictions put in place for the visit and is believed to be the first detention connected to the event.
A Thames Valley Police spokesman said the suspect, from Brentford in west London, was taken into custody after allegedly breaching the restricted area. "This serves as a reminder that airspace restrictions are currently in place for the state visit of President of the United States of America Donald Trump, and any breaches will be dealt with robustly," the force added.
The state visit has prompted an extensive policing operation. Thames Valley Police said officers had been bolstered by staff from forces across the country, with non-Thames Valley personnel understood to make up about two-thirds of those deployed. Measures in place include crowd barriers, specialist officers and temporary restrictions on aircraft and drones.
Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt, who is leading the operation, said planners had prepared for a wide range of potential incidents, including protests against the president. He told reporters the "threat level" for the operation was "very high" but said recent violence at a university in Utah involving a Trump supporter did not require a change to security arrangements.
Despite there being no public-facing engagements during parts of the visit, a number of demonstrations are planned. One of the largest protests is expected in central London, while campaigners said people would also gather in Windsor. The Stop Trump Coalition said it would line streets this week, and campaigner Zoe Gardner said on ITV's Good Morning Britain that the visit represented an unnecessary display of honours for the US president.
Policing minister Sarah Jones, speaking at the Police Superintendents' Association annual conference, praised the officers involved in the operation and the use of new technology. "Tomorrow we have the President of the United States coming to this country, and who will be there making sure he is safe and everything goes smoothly, using all the best expertise that we have," she said.
Thames Valley Police reiterated its commitment to facilitating lawful demonstrations while prioritising public safety and minimising disruption. The force said it would continue to enforce the temporary airspace and drone restrictions put in place for the duration of the state visit.
The arrest comes as security measures remain visible in and around Windsor, including fencing and a heightened police presence, as authorities work to manage both the ceremonial elements of the visit and planned public protests.