Man charged after being caught at Windsor Castle last year

Jaswant Singh Chail

20-year-old Jaswant Singh Chail has been charged with treason after being caught with a crossbow at the Windsor Castle on the day of Christmas last year. The young man also threatened to kill the Queen.

The Southampton resident was charged with being in possession of an offensive weapon as well. He was then sectioned under the Mental Health Act after being caught.

According to The Guardian, The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the decision to press charges followed an investigation.

Nick Price of Crown Prosecution Service’s counter-terrorism division said that criminal proceedings against Chail “are active and that he has the right to a fair trial”.

“This decision has been made following an investigation carried out by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command,” Price said.

Chail is currently in custody and is due to appear at Westminster magistrates court on 17 August.

It was reported that the 96-year-old monarch was present at the castle along with other members of the royal family including Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, among others.

The treason offence is stated under the 1842 Treason Act, which states it is an offence to assault the Queen, or have a firearm or offensive weapon in her presence with intent to injure or alarm her. At the time of Chail’s arrest at Windsor Castle last year, the Queen was having a low-key Christmas celebration at the royal residence with her family.