The royal couple, who live at Adelaide Cottage with their three children George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six, have chosen not to have a key member of their staff live on-site, a break from long-standing royal tradition. Traditionally, senior royals rely on private secretaries or security assistants to handle day-to-day operations and ensure 24/7 protection. However, sources close to the couple say William and Catherine are prioritising a "family first" approach amid ongoing discussions about royal security.

The change comes after masked intruders broke into the grounds of Windsor Castle while the family slept just minutes away. On a recent Sunday night, two men scaled a six-foot fence and targeted Shaw Farm, which is located within the castle’s secure area. They escaped in a pickup truck and a four-wheel drive after crashing through a security gate. The thieves appear to have been stalking Windsor Castle for some time, according to a source, as they carried out their plan undetected.

King Charles and Queen Camilla were not at the castle during the incident, with Charles reportedly in Scotland, while Camilla was at a spa in India. William and Catherine, along with their children, were asleep in bed when the incident occurred. The damaged gate, which is often used by the royal family as the nearest exit, suggests the crime scene was alarmingly close to their home. Despite the estate's advanced alarm system, the break-in went undetected until the intruders escaped, leaving a breached security barrier behind.

The incident has raised renewed scrutiny of security measures at Windsor Castle, particularly after armed police were recently removed from the estate's two main public entrances. Critics have said the decision, which was reportedly due to police shortages and sensitivity to tourists, left the estate vulnerable to threats. Thames Valley Police has confirmed an investigation into the incident, although no arrests have been made. Reports suggest the offenders broke into a farm building, stole a black ISU pick-up truck and a red four-wheel drive, and fled towards Old Windsor.

The break-in is not the first security threat at Windsor Castle. In 2021, an armed intruder attempted to assassinate the queen on Christmas Day, resulting in a nine-year sentence for treason. Earlier this year, another was arrested in the castle gardens. The recent burglary has raised concerns about the safety of the royal estate and its residents, as well as the effectiveness of current security measures. As discussions about royal protection continue, William and Catherine’s decision to maintain a different approach to their household staff raises further questions about the balance between family life and royal duties.