Royal Family's ring of steel remains in place as protesters backtrack on plans to target Windsor Castle
Despite some masked madness, protesters on the ground have taken a soft line on the King
PA
Eco-activists setting up camp outside Windsor Castle have claimed they hold "no plans" to storm the ancient royal residence.
The castle, which already boasts towering stone walls, has seen a "ring of steel" via extra security barriers imposed around it to stop Extinction Rebellion (XR) protesters pouring inside.
Though private investigators acting on behalf of a local business had uncovered activists' plans to stage a "mass trespass" inside the castle, a spokeswoman downplayed the reports - adding that the protest was "100 per cent not an attack at the King".
The King will not be present at Windsor Castle throughout the demonstration, as he and other senior royals are spending their annual summer holiday at Balmoral - but a pair of protesters wearing masks of him and the Queen have been pictured frolicking around Windsor.
Several protesters - some of whom have already set up camp in the Berkshire town - have claimed XR will not be on the warpath over the "action-packed" weekend.
Protesters from the group are planning to descend on the historic town (file photo)PA
Marijn van de Geer said: "I reckon if he wasn't the King he'd probably be here"
PATents, stages and speakers were erected in Windsor Home Park on Friday morning - and while the activist group does not have permission to be there, it has been "liaising" with local authorities, spokesman - and Olympic gold medallist - Etienne Stott said.
Alongside the "ring of steel", Thames Valley Police have been keeping a close eye on the gathering crowds - with the force warning it would "not tolerate criminal behaviour".
Catherine Bartlett, of Extinction Rebellion UK, said Windsor Castle had been chosen as it represented "a broken and unjust system" - but protesters on the ground have taken a soft line on the King, who is known for his environmental work.
One activist, 41-year-old Marijn van de Geer, said: "I reckon if he wasn't the King he'd probably be here... I think he'd probably be quite good at giving some talks and trainings.
MORE AS PROTESTERS TARGET THE ROYAL FAMILY:
A pair of protesters sporting masks of the King and Queen have been pictured frolicking around Windsor
PA
The real royals will be out of town for the "action-packed" weekend
PA
"He's quite an outdoorsy person... He'd probably be up for doing some camping. It's a shame he's the King because he obviously can't be here.
"As an individual he has spoken out a lot about the environment. He was well ahead of his days at the time when he was talking about it and everyone was laughing at him.
"This is 100 per cent not an attack at the King. Extinction Rebellion UK does not have any plans to storm Windsor Castle, any hotels, nor cause public disruption."
Stott added: "The King has been outspoken on environmental issues - and of course that's really important."
Thames Valley Police have been pictured watching over the camp grounds in Windsor
PA
One protester said Windsor Castle was a "symbolic" location for a protest
GettyAnother one of the campers, Kimwei McCarthy, 39, described the "fantastic" atmosphere outside the castle - which he labelled a "symbolic" location for a protest.
A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "We are aware of a planned demonstration in Windsor this weekend, from August 30 until September 1.
"We have been in contact with the organisers, and are working closely with partners to deliver a comprehensive plan, facilitating peaceful protest and ensuring the safety of all those in attendance and other members of the public.
"We will not tolerate criminal behaviour and those choosing to commit offences can expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly."
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