Police detain 24-year-old on charges of assault, criminal damage, and disorderly conduct
London: A 24-year-old woman, believed to be a maid employed at Buckingham Palace, was arrested late Tuesday evening in central London on suspicion of common assault, criminal damage, and being drunk and disorderly.
The incident occurred at a bar in Victoria, a short distance from the palace after a Christmas celebration took a violent turn, London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed.
The woman, who was reportedly attending a gathering with around 50 members of the palace staff, allegedly aimed a punch at the bar manager and smashed several glasses during the altercation.
Despite attempts by venue security to de-escalate the situation, she is said to have continued throwing glasses.
“I’ve never seen one person get that crazy during a night out,” a witness recounted. The woman was taken into custody following the incident, spending the night in a police cell. She was released approximately 24 hours later after receiving a penalty notice for disorder.
Buckingham Palace initiates investigation
Buckingham Palace’s management has acknowledged the incident and stated that an investigation is underway. In a statement to the BBC, a palace spokesperson clarified that the altercation occurred following an informal social gathering.
“We are aware of an incident outside the workplace involving a number of Household staff who had previously attended an early evening reception at the Palace,” the spokesperson said. “While this was an informal social gathering, not an official Palace Christmas party, the facts will be fully investigated, with a robust disciplinary process followed in relation to individual staff and appropriate action taken.”
The palace also emphasized that the drinks at the bar after the reception were not officially arranged by the institution but were an informal continuation of the evening by some staff members. The incident has raised concerns about behavior among palace employees during unofficial gatherings, with disciplinary measures reportedly being considered for those involved.