Four adults have been arrested on suspicion of malicious communications after images of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew and Donald Trump were projected onto Windsor Castle in what Thames Valley Police described as an unauthorised “public stunt.”
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening during US President Donald Trump’s unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom, scheduled from Tuesday 16 to Thursday 18 September. The projection appeared on the historic castle walls as Trump was already in the country for meetings with King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Chief Superintendent Felicity Parker confirmed the arrests, stating: “We take any unauthorised activity around Windsor Castle extremely seriously. Our officers responded swiftly to stop the projection and four people have been arrested.”
Security Breach During High-Alert Period
The unauthorised projection came as Thames Valley Police had already deployed what they described as a “comprehensive security operation” ahead of the presidential visit. The force’s firearms unit and specialist search teams had been stationed around Windsor as part of enhanced security measures for Trump’s stay at the castle.
“We are conducting a thorough investigation with our partners into the circumstances surrounding this incident and will provide further updates when we are in a position to do so,” Chief Superintendent Parker added.
The four individuals arrested remain in custody whilst police continue their investigation into potential charges under malicious communications legislation. Under Section 1 of the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003, sending indecent or grossly offensive messages can result in criminal prosecution.
Political Protest Group Claims Responsibility
The political campaign group Everyone Hates Elon claimed responsibility for what they called an act of protest against Trump’s visit. A spokesperson for the group stated: “It’s time to celebrate the special relationship, the relationship between paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and President Donald Trump.
The activists said they worked alongside American comedian and Trump critic Rosie O’Donnell to create what they claimed was “the world’s largest photo” of Trump and Epstein together. The group crowdfunded the stunt, with 1,792 people reportedly contributing to the cost.
“Trump’s supporters are tearing themselves apart over the Epstein files. Now he’s hoping to escape it all to have tea with the King,” the spokesperson said. “But there’s no way we’re letting him use our country to polish his image. Most people here hate what he stands for.”
Epstein Connections Cast Shadow Over Visit
The projection highlighted uncomfortable connections between several high-profile figures and the late financier, who died in a New York jail cell in August 2019 whilst awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. The timing appeared calculated to cause maximum embarrassment during Trump’s diplomatic visit.
Trump and Epstein socialised together decades ago, though the President has sought to distance himself from the convicted sex offender. Speaking to reporters in 2019, Trump said: “I had a falling out with him. I haven’t spoken to him in 15 years. I was not a fan of his, that I can tell you.”
However, the topic remains politically sensitive for Trump, particularly amid ongoing calls for Congress to release the full Epstein files. Earlier this month, American legislators made public a compilation created for Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003, which appeared to include a message from Trump, though the White House insists it is fabricated.
Royal Family’s Own Epstein Scandal
The projection also served as an uncomfortable reminder of the Royal Family’s own connections to the Epstein scandal through Prince Andrew, King Charles’s younger brother. Andrew withdrew from public duties in 2020 following a disastrous BBC Newsnight interview about his friendship with Epstein.
In the November 2019 interview with Emily Maitlis, Andrew attempted to explain his relationship with the convicted sex offender but faced widespread criticism for his responses. He claimed he did not regret his friendship with Epstein and said the financier’s home was a “convenient place to stay” during trips to New York.
The interview was widely dubbed a “car crash” and described as the worst public relations crisis for the Royal Family since the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Andrew denied allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was trafficked by Epstein to have sex with the Prince when she was 17 years old.
Malicious Communications Arrests Rising
The arrests at Windsor Castle come amid broader concerns about the increase in arrests for malicious communications offences in Britain. According to data obtained through freedom of information requests, police forces are now making over 12,000 arrests annually under malicious communications legislation, equating to more than 30 per day.
Thames Valley Police, responsible for security around Windsor Castle, has not specified which exact charges the four individuals may face. However, the force emphasised that the unauthorised projection represented a serious security breach during a period of heightened alert.
The incident follows previous protests during Trump’s 2019 state visit to the UK, when demonstrators flew a giant “Baby Trump” balloon over London. That balloon has since been donated to the Museum of London as a historical artefact.
Enhanced Security Measures
Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt of Thames Valley Police had told reporters before the visit that enhanced policing measures were designed to cover “just about every eventuality.” The security operation included increased numbers of uniformed officers, armed patrols, mounted units, marine units, drone units and air support.
The arrests highlight the challenges faced by security services in preventing protest actions whilst maintaining public safety during high-profile diplomatic visits. More than 1,600 Metropolitan Police officers were deployed for Trump’s visit, including 500 officers assisting from other forces.
A march organised by the Stop the Trump Coalition was scheduled for Wednesday in central London, with protesters planning to gather at 2 p.m. local time before marching to Parliament. Organisers divided the march into groups based on different causes demonstrators were supporting.
Legal Framework for Prosecutions
The four arrested individuals could face prosecution under communications offences that criminalise the sending of “indecent or grossly offensive” messages. Legal experts note that whilst freedom of speech is protected in British law, communications deemed “grossly offensive” can result in criminal charges.
The Crown Prosecution Service guidelines state that decisions about malicious communications must consider whether the communication represents protected freedom of expression. Prosecutors must determine if messages cross the threshold from being merely rude or offensive to being “grossly offensive” under the law.
Recent parliamentary debates have raised concerns about the increasing use of malicious communications laws to police online and public expression. Critics argue that the legislative framework, including the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and Communications Act 2003, gives authorities broad powers that could potentially infringe on free speech.
Investigation Continues
Thames Valley Police confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, with detectives working to establish the full circumstances of how the projection was organised and executed. The force is reviewing security protocols to prevent similar incidents during future high-profile visits.
Chief Superintendent Parker, who serves as a Local Policing Area Commander for Thames Valley Police and recently led the police response as silver commander for the European Political Community Summit at Blenheim Palace, is overseeing the investigation alongside specialist security teams.
The incident has raised questions about the balance between legitimate protest and security concerns during state visits. Whilst protest groups defend their actions as necessary political expression, authorities maintain that unauthorised activities around royal residences pose unacceptable security risks.
As Trump’s visit continues through Thursday, security services remain on high alert for any further protest actions or security breaches. The arrested individuals are expected to be questioned further as police determine whether formal charges will be brought under malicious communications or other relevant legislation.
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