Police marksman, airport-style scanners and a plea for no confetti form part of the royal wedding’s security operation as more than 100,000 fans are expected to descend on Windsor.
A ring of steel has effectively been created around Windsor Castle as it plays host to Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding, with the costs expected to run into the millions.
Officers with sniper rifles were spotted on roofs around the town in what is one of the largest public events handled by Thames Valley Police (TVP).
We’ve seen some 20,000+ passengers pass through Windsor’s stations so far! ?☀️
Crowds are still busy, please continue to use London Waterloo train services, capacity is much higher.
Travel updates from @SW_Help, @GWRHelp and @nationalrailenq pic.twitter.com/jrOAiRG1He
— BTP (@BTP) May 19, 2018
In a bid to ward off vehicles being used as weapons, as seen in the terrorist atrocities committed on London and Westminster Bridges, metal barriers have been installed around the Berkshire town.
Armed officers, dog handlers and mounted police are also on the ground while, in the air, drones have been banned from flying over the estate and aircraft are restricted from flying below 2,500ft.
Police on horseback make their way up Castle Hill in Windsor. #royalwedding pic.twitter.com/tFCF7xB2lP
— Catherine Wylie (@wyliecatherine) May 18, 2018
While confetti is not banned, TVP requested fans do not throw the “potential security risk” or other items throughout the day, particularly during the procession.
Along with the security scanners, visitors are being warned not to leave belongings unattended and that they could be subjected to inspections.
Out and about in Windsor? Please do not leave your bags unattended – you may find our officers inspecting them to check if they are a potential security issue! ? #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/6bbvWsqyXM
— Thames Valley Police (@ThamesVP) May 19, 2018
The operation was in progress months before the big day itself, and police were seen manning barricades outside the castle and sniffer dogs performing checks on Friday.
The US actress is a big draw for American fans as well as Britons and police estimated more than 100,000 revellers would descend on the event.
With huge crowds expected along the carriage ride route, it may be closed to latecomers if a safety issue is suspected.
? Confetti at the #RoyalWedding ?
Please do not throw confetti or any other items at any time during the day, particularly during the procession.
It poses a potential security risk and it’s a bit of a pain to clean up! ?
We hope everyone enjoys the day ? pic.twitter.com/wrMlIe8Hfy
— Thames Valley Police (@ThamesVP) May 18, 2018
TVP would work with Network Rail and BTP if this proved the case, and could order trains to stop coming to Windsor’s two stations.
Almost every TVP officer is working on Saturday as Harry and Meghan’s 600 guests attend their wedding, 200 of which will celebrate at an evening reception hosted by the Prince of Wales at Frogmore House.
The security operation for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge cost police more than £6 million, according to figures revealed in April, with nearly half of that spent on overtime costs alone.
But the cost of this royal spectacle cannot yet be confirmed.
No arrests in relation to Windsor’s wedding celebrations had been made by 2pm, according to TVP and BTP.
