Buckingham Palace speaks out after work Christmas occasion ends in arrest
The Palace said that the incident occoured at an “informal” drinks that took place following an event at the Royal HQ, with police called to a bar nearby following reports of disorder
Buckingham Palace has said it has launched an investigation after a member of staff allegedly punched a bar manager at work drinks. Police were called to All Bar One in Victoria Street, in central London close to the Palace, after 9pm on Tuesday (December 10).
A spokesperson has now said it plans to take “appropriate action” after a member of staff, who according to the Mirror is thought to be a housemaid, allegedly smashed a glass and aimed a punch at the manager of the bar. According to Sun, the member of staff was arrested at the scene, with the night having been pre-arranged and attended by some 50 members employees.
A Palace spokesperson told the BBC: “We are aware of an incident outside the workplace involving a number of Household staff who had previously attended an early evening reception at the Palace.
“While this was an informal social gathering, not an official Palace Christmas party, the facts will be fully investigated, with a robust disciplinary process followed in relation to individual staff and appropriate action taken.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told the Sun that officers had been called to the scene following reports of “smashed glasses and attempted to assault a member of staff”.
They added that a 24-year-old woman had been arrested on suspicion of common assault, criminal damage and being drunk and disorderly. They added she had been released with a penalty notice.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “At 21.21hrs on Tuesday, December 10 officers were called to a bar in Victoria Street, SW1, following reports that a customer had smashed glasses and attempted to assault a member of staff. Officers attended and arrested a 24-year-old woman on suspicion of common assault, criminal damage and being drunk and disorderly.
“She was taken into custody and released the following evening having been given a penalty notice for disorder.”
