#rpos

For many, going to pick out a tree is one of the best festive traditions. But for families hoping to get theirs at a shop close to the Prince and Princess of Wales' new Windsor mansion – it might turn into a nightmare before Christmas this year. The Christmas Tree Shop, which opened on Thursday, traditionally sits on land next to the Waleses' new house. Its trees are grown on the estate and they attract hundreds of punters every year in the run up to December 25. But access routes have been limited to prevent people from driving right in front of the royal eight-bedroom home, which the family relocated to from nearby AdelaideCottage. Cars now face being diverted around a new circular route – more than a mile detour in all. Traffic cones have been placed to ensure shoppers obey the new rules. The temporary road layout seems to have brought chaos, however. A local resident said: 'I have already seen a few near misses where people have driven the wrong side of the cones.' Two royal security officers have also been stationed in the shop's car park to prevent intruders during operating hours. Another resident said: 'A car was parked and running both days with what looked like two plain-clothes officers inside to prevent anyone going into the lodge's grounds. The shop is right next door, so it is not surprising the Waleses are keeping an extra eye out in case anyone is tempted to take a peek.'