One of the most famous royal residences has been surrounded with extra security after reports emerged that there was a plan to storm the compound and unleash three days of chaos.
To prevent a planned protest rally by the organization Extinction Rebellion from approaching the castle gates, additional security barriers have been erected at Windsor Castle.
Tourists, dog owners and residents were advised to avoid the area from August 30 to September 1.
Thousands of XR supporters are expected to flock to the Berkshire town after XR said the local council and Thames Valley Police gave permission to convert Home Park into a campsite for up to 10,000 people.
Additional security forces have been deployed at Windsor Castle (file image)
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The King will not be present at Windsor Castle during the protest as he is spending his summer holiday in Balmoral, Scotland. Extinction Rebellion says the occupation of Windsor Great Park is intended to pressure the King to do more to support environmental issues, an issue he has long championed.
Catherine Bartlett of Extinction Rebellion UK said: “Windsor Castle has been chosen as the embodiment of a broken and unjust system, where our message will resonate deeply. The general election did not fix our broken system, nor did it deliver the urgent action needed to tackle the climate and nature emergency.
“Aristocrats, oligarchs and corporate interests have infected and distorted our politics and media for their own benefit and at our expense.”
The protest, called “Upgrade Democracy,” is not specifically directed against the king or any individual, it said.
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Earlier, an Animal Rebellion protester had lashed out at the justice system after being found guilty of causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to a fountain at Buckingham Palace by pouring red paint into it.
Louis McKechnie, 23, Christopher Bennett, 27, Riley Ings, 27, Claire Smith, 26, and Rachel Steele, 48, were found guilty at Southwark Crown Court of causing criminal damage valued at £7,080 at the Queen Victoria Memorial water feature on August 26, 2021.
McKechnie said: “We did this because we believe the royal family still has a responsibility today to step up and show true leadership. If Charles claims to be a climate-conscious royal, then of course he has to show that.
“He’s barking the right thing, but where’s his bite? I don’t see it. It starts with calling for a plant-based food system. King Charles, that’s our message to him – call for a plant-based food system if you really care about any of what you’re saying.”
Christopher Bennett, 27, Louis McKechnie, 23, and Riley Ings, 27, three of five Animal Rebellion protesters found guilty at Southwark Crown Court
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Bennett, of Fish Ponds Road, Bristol, Ings, of no fixed abode, McKechnie, of Claremont Road, Dorset, Steele, of Capworth Street, east London, and Smith, of Chadwick Street, Leeds, each denied one count of criminal damage.
The verdict will be announced on October 18.