Buckingham Palace has responded to the arrest of a royal maid during an “out of control” work party

The royal family attends the Christmas Morning Service in Sandringham, Norfolk, in 2023
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The royal family is undoubtedly the most talked-about in the world. And from Princess Kate's triumphant return to duty, to the highly-anticipated royal Christmas plans, the Mountbatten-Windsors never fail to get the world talking.

However, it was the royal staff who made headlines this week, as a work Christmas party turned dramatic and reportedly ended in an arrest.

According to reports by The Sun, around fifty members of staff attended a Christmas party at All Bar One in London, after having had pre-party drinks at Buckingham Palace. However, according to the publication, the party became "out of control", when "a woman believed to be a housemaid aimed a punch at the manager, smashed glasses and was arrested."

The Metropolitan Police later commented on the incident, confirming to HELLO! Magazine that a 24-year-old woman had been arrested.

"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," read the statement.

"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."

Buckingham Palace also commented on the report, releasing a statement that the incident would be "fully investigated" and "appropriate action" would be taken.

"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," a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace announced in a statement.

"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."

We will continue to update this story.

Jenny Proudfoot
Contributing Features Editor

Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. After working at Marie Claire UK for seven years - rising from intern to Features Editor - she is now a freelance contributor to the News and Features section.

In 2021, Jenny was named as a winner on the PPA's '30 under 30' list, and was also listed as a rising star in journalism.