Security staff ‘so terrified’ of Prince Andrew they let intruder into Royal Lodge

Security staff are so ‘terrified’ to question Prince Andrew they are said to have let a woman claiming to be the Duke’s fiancee into Windsor grounds.

An intruder pretending to be Prince Andrew’s fiancee is said to have been let into Royal Lodge at Windsor because security staff were “terrified” of questioning the Duke about his guests.

The woman, a Spaniard in her 40s, arrived at the security gate last April claiming she was to have dinner with the prince, the Express UK reported.

She was allowed in to walk on the grounds for up to 40 minutes and enter a building before another staff member called police.

The security staff apparently even paid for the woman’s cab fare before letting her into the grounds.

Security expert Philip Grindell claimed the woman was allowed in so easily because security staff were afraid of asking Prince Andrew.

Prince Andrew is a “pain in the a--e’, according to a security expert. Picture: Getty Images

“Prince Andrew is a pain in the a--e and if you have ever worked with him, is an unpleasant character and the security were terrified of asking him ‘is anyone turning up?,” he said at the International Security Expo, the Express UK reported.

Mr Grindell added: “And because they did not want to upset him, no one asked and they assumed he must have an appointment and let her in.

“The security were terrified of asking him.”

It is believed Prince Andrew was at the residence at the time.

Maps of the Royal Lodge ands other royal family homes were found in the woman’s handbag as well as a sharp self-defence key ring, the Express UK reported.

The woman was arrested on suspicion of burglary and later sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

Thames Valley Police said she was released without charge.

NEW ‘FAB FOUR’ POSE FOR PHOTO

A new “Fab Four” have posed for their first official family photograph after Charles took the throne.

The King and William, Prince of Wales are flanked by Queen Consort Camilla and Princess of Wales, Kate.

The image showing the future of the British monarchy was taken the evening before Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral last month, according to The Sun.

Queen Consort Camilla, King Charles III, William, Prince of Wales, Kate, Princess of Wales. Picture: Supplied

The four hosted an event for ­foreign heads of state and overseas guests at Buckingham Palace.

More than 500 world leaders had flown to London for the funeral.

Charles and William wore black suits and ties and Kate and Camilla wore black dresses to the State event as the royal family was in official mourning.

Harry, Meghan and Prince Andrew were not present as it was an event only for working royals.

William, Kate, Prince Harry and Meghan were known as the Fab Four before their rift and the Sussexes’ move to California.

King Charles III and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex at the Committal Service held at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. Picture: Getty Images

It comes as King Charles’s top aides are trying to work out if there is a way to stop Prince Harry’s memoir from being published, according to The Sun.

Buckingham Palace officials want to avoid any controversial issues in the early days of the new monarch’s reign.

Courtiers fear the Duke of Sussex’s book could strike a hefty blow against the King even before his coronation.

But legal moves to prevent its publication appear to have been ruled out.

One source told The Sun: “There has been a discussion around the key question, ‘Can we stop the book?’.”

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex at St George's Chapel for the Committal Service for Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: Getty Images

Harry has reportedly been trying to make last-minute changes to the book in the wake of the Queen’s death.

He has already received half of a £35 million ($A61m) deal from the publishers Penguin Random House, but wanted to “refine” sections amid fears some are now “insensitive”.

Sources say California-based Harry, 38, now realises it may be already too late. The book is due for publication this year, though no date has been given.

It is understood the Palace lawyers Harbottle & Lewis will read the book on release and will not show them the manuscript in advance.

Originally published as Security staff ‘so terrified’ of Prince Andrew they let intruder into Royal Lodge