Man Charged After Breaking into Grounds of Kate Middleton and Prince William’s London Home Before Christmas By Clare Fisher and Simon Perry

A man has been charged after allegedly breaking into the grounds of Kensington Palace — the London residence of Kate Middleton and Prince William — twice in the days before Christmas, according to a statement from the Metropolitan Police obtained by PEOPLE.

The spokesperson confirmed that 39-year-old Derek Egan had been charged with trespassing on a protected site and breaching bail conditions. “The charges relate to incidents on Sunday, December 21, and Tuesday, December 23, when Egan was arrested on suspicion of trespassing on a protected site in Palace Green, Kensington,” the spokesperson added.

Although the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 43, use a wing of the palace as their London residence, they were not there at the time of the alleged break-ins, PEOPLE understands. They are thought to have been staying at Anmer Hall, their private country home on the ­Sandringham estate, during their children’s holiday vacation from school.

Other members of the royal family also live at Kensington Palace.

Just a few days after the alleged incidents, the Prince and Princess and their three children appeared at the Christmas Day service at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Norfolk. The yearly tradition sees the royals head to church and greet members of the public afterward.

According to U.K. newspaper The Times, Egan appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, Dec. 30, where he admitted the charges. A hearing date was subsequently set for Jan. 6, when Egan’s pleas will be confirmed. The judge said, according to the outlet, that it will take place in Egan’s absence, “in view of his disorderly behaviour to officers of the court and the court itself.” 

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The judge added, “I am not granting him bail on the basis that if he is convicted, there is a real possibility he will receive a custodial sentence.”

According to The Times, Egan is not thought to have entered the main building of the palace and was detained on the public side after being seen on security cameras.

Buckingham Palace does not comment on security matters.

Back in June last year, there was break-in attempt at Windsor Castle, the British royal family’s ancestral home, with a spokesperson for Thames Valley Police confirming to PEOPLE at the time that the incident took place “just after 1 p.m. on June. 1.”

“[The intruder] was quickly challenged by Met police officers and arrested. He did not enter the inner grounds of Windsor Castle,” the spokesperson continued. 

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It was unclear if any member of the royal family had been at the royal residence at the time of the incident, but in June, Prince William and Kate Middleton were still living on the grounds of Windsor Castle at Adelaide Cottage with their children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.

The family has recently relocated to their forever home, Forest Lodge, which is situated just three miles away.