Police officers protecting the royal family at Windsor Castle are facing an investigation over allegations they slept while on duty.
Several officers on protective duties from the Metropolitan Police’s Royalty and Specialist Protection team are being investigated after concerns were raised, The Sun reported.
Allegations include officers leaving posts unattended and sleeping while on duty.
The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) has launched an investigation, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been informed, the force said.
A decision from the DPS over whether any of the officers under investigation should be placed on restrictive duties is expected before the end of next week.
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A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has launched an urgent investigation following concerns raised regarding the conduct of a number of officers on protective duties at Windsor Castle.
‘The allegations include officers leaving posts unattended and sleeping while on duty.
‘The alleged behaviour falls below the high standards expected of officers, particularly in frontline protective roles.’
The Sun reported that around 30 officers are being investigated, but this number hasn’t been confirmed by the police.
The force added: ‘As part of their inquiries, DPS is assessing whether any of those under investigation should be placed on restricted duties. A decision is expected to be made on this before the end of next week.’
Buckingham Palace declined to comment, and the IOPC was unavailable to comment.
One source told The Sun: ‘I’ve heard one allegation suggests someone clocking on for duty and then not turning up at their post. It’s an embarrassment for the police, as well as exposing a potential security breach.’
They added: ‘These are serious allegations which could lead to officers being suspended and placed under investigation for misconduct and dereliction of duty.’
In 2021, the security of the Royals was questioned after an intruder broke into the grounds of Windsor Castle on Christmas Day.
Jaswant Singh Chail, 19, from Southampton, was detained ‘within moments’, police said.
But the incident left a ‘chill in the air over what could have been,’ a royal source said.
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