Homeless people returned to the streets of Windsor on Sunday, one day after Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle in the town.
Thousands of people lined the streets on Saturday, to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds leaving St George’s Chapel and making their way to Windsor Castle.
Just 24 hours after the jubilant scenes and proud flag waving, destitute people have returned to the high street.
In preparation for the big day those living on the streets were removed during security sweeps, and even had their belongings ‘voluntarily’ taken from them until and put in ‘storage’ until Monday.
Many had been encouraged to leave doorways on the main streets while royals fans came and set up camp for a good spot, days before the nuptials. Police and authorities said they were simply looking out for the people, advising them to move so they were not crushed in the wedding chaos on the streets.
Charities attempted to step in and ensure they had somewhere to stay over the weekend, with one bringing in a bus to sleep ten.
However, the bus was seized by police after it was discovered the driver did not have the correct licence.
Police officers escorted the white bus run by Ark Project out of view of the expectant public outside Windsor Castle to conduct the seizure on Thursday, the day of the wedding rehearsal.
David Michael, founder of the Ark Project revealed his shock to supporters over the move.
Broadcasting from the scene, Mr Michael said: 'Homeless people [were] evicted off it.
'They [police] are saying it is still a public service vehicle... as you can see, that is not a public service vehicle.'
Mr Michael claimed that even after arranging for a friend who did have a public service vehicle licence to arrive at the scene, police responded: 'No, we're seizing it.'
'I don't know what it is, why they don't want it on the road,' he added.
'We had homeless people on it at the time they seized it, they evicted them, now the homeless people have been evicted from the bus and have nowhere to stay again.'
Mr Michael said police were demanding £1,500 to release the bus from an impound, which the charity could not afford.
Earlier Windsor's rough sleepers were the subject of a controversial suggestion by local Conservative council leader, Simon Dudley.
'Any charity – legally six per cent – that's all they have to give. I understand they have people who they employ and stuff like that. But we help other countries when there's enough British people who need help.'
At least six bags were removed and taken to the back of a parked police van. The men were allowed to keep small essential items, like bottles of water, with one of the officers heard telling them: 'Right, is that all you need for the next few days?'
Thames Valley Police are working closely with The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, The Windsor Homeless Project, and local support services in order to offer support to local homeless people.
However, the homeless people have now returned. Many have questioned whether or not they will be receiving any extra help, after their plight was highlighted all around the world.
David Michael from The Ark revealed on Saturday the bus remains impounded by police.
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