Kensington Palace staff continue working as major police operation unfolds

Dorothy Reddin
Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:12:29 +0000

Royal staff at Kensington Palace remain at work today, despite the major police operation unfolding in Kensington Gardens, GB News understands.

The historic residence, formerly the primary home of the Prince and Princess of Wales, sits on the park's western boundary, positioning it roughly 350 metres from the bandstand where specialist police vehicles have gathered.

It is also understood that Catherine and William are not in London today, having relocated to Windsor four years ago.

The entire park has been sealed off since Friday morning, prompting Royal Parks to issue guidance to Londoners.

"Due to an ongoing police investigation, Kensington Gardens will be closed to the public today. We respectfully ask that people avoid the area until further notice," a Royal Parks spokesman said.

Metropolitan Police officers are investigating whether the Israeli embassy, located in the vicinity of the park, was targeted using drones that may have been carrying hazardous materials.

The inquiry centres on items discovered near the embassy and their potential connection to a video that allegedly announced plans for an attack on the diplomatic mission.

Investigators are working to establish whether the discarded objects found in the area are linked to the threatening footage.

The embassy sits adjacent to Kensington Gardens, placing it in close proximity to where the suspicious items were located.

A substantial emergency response has assembled near the bandstand, with the Met's chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear unit deploying a specialist van to the location.

Divers from the force's underwater and confined space search team arrived in a large white lorry, whilst a police search and recovery unit was also observed at the scene.

Forensic specialists wearing blue protective suits were spotted walking in the vicinity of the bandstand on Friday. The Round Pond ornamental lake lies just north of this focal point.

London Fire Brigade has dispatched fire investigation dogs alongside a fire investigation unit, while the London Ambulance Service's hazardous area response team is also present.

The Israeli embassy has confirmed that its staff are safe and that the diplomatic mission itself was not subjected to an attack.

"A suspected security incident is being investigated in the park adjacent to the Embassy of Israel in London," the embassy stated.

"We wish to clarify that all Embassy staff are safe and that the Embassy was not attacked. As always we remain in close and continuous contact with the local authorities."

The embassy's statement provides reassurance whilst acknowledging the ongoing police activity in the neighbouring green space, with authorities continuing their examination of the potential threat.