Prince Andrew mistaken for intruder in palace drama

British royal Prince Andrew was inadvertently caught up in another drama at London's Buckingham Palace this week (begs02Sep13) when armed police allegedly mistook him for an intruder just days after a suspected burglar was apprehended inside the building.

The Duke of York was challenged by police officers during a stroll around the palace gardens and was reportedly ordered put up his hands and surrender. His identity was eventually verified and he was released.

A statement issued by Scotland Yard officials confirming the incident reads, "On Wednesday 4 September at approximately 18:00 BST two uniformed officers approached a man in the gardens of Buckingham Palace to verify his identity. The man was satisfactorily identified. No weapons were drawn and no force was used."

Wednesday's (04Sep13) incident occurred two days after a man was arrested on suspicion of breaking into the royal residence.

A source tells Britain's Sunday Express, "He (Prince Andrew) just went out into the gardens for a walk, to relax and enjoy the sunshine. When he got to a far corner away from the Palace, he was suddenly pounced upon by an officer, and another was not far behind. They shouted all the usual, 'Put your hands up and get on the ground', and both pointed their guns straight at him... Eventually, after he insisted he was Prince Andrew... they put their guns away. Clearly everyone was a bit jittery and nervous because of the intruder the day before (sic), and these guys over-reacted... It's fair to say that to describe the Duke as unhappy and the two officers as highly embarrassed is the biggest understatement of the century."

A review of security protocols at the palace has been underway since the incident on Monday, when one man was arrested inside the building, while another was detained by police outside the grounds.

The 37-year-old man who was detained within the palace on Monday has now been bailed to the care of a mental health unit, where he will be held for 28 days for assessment.