Met Police investigates royal protection officers over claims they slept on duty at Windsor Castle
The Metropolitan Police has launched an urgent investigation into allegations that officers from its Royalty and Specialist Protection team fell asleep on duty and left their posts unattended at Windsor Castle. The force said the alleged behaviour falls below the high standards expected of officers in frontline protective roles. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has been informed and will allow the Met to investigate locally.
The Metropolitan Police has launched an urgent investigation into allegations that officers from its Royalty and Specialist Protection team fell asleep on duty and left their posts unattended at Windsor Castle, the force said.
The Met's directorate of professional standards (DPS) is leading the probe into a number of officers assigned to protective duties at the Berkshire residence, one of the official homes of King Charles III. The allegations were first reported by The Sun.
"The alleged behaviour falls below the high standards expected of officers, particularly in frontline protective roles," the Met said in a statement.
The DPS will assess whether the officers under investigation should be placed on restricted duties, with a decision expected "before the end of next week."
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has been informed and concluded the matter would be investigated locally by the Met, the force added.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment.