Officers tasked with protecting King Charles at Windsor Castle are currently under investigation following allegations that they fell asleep while on duty.
A number of officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Royalty and Specialist Protection team are facing scrutiny after concerns were raised, as reported by The Sun.
The allegations include officers abandoning their posts and being asleep during their shifts. The Sun claimed that about 30 officers were under investigation.
The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) has launched a formal probe into the matter.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has also been informed, the force said.
A decision from the DPS regarding whether any of the officers under investigation will be placed on restrictive duties is anticipated before the end of next week.
“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,” a Met Police spokesperson said.
“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 Independent Office for Police Conduct has been informed and concluded that this matter will be investigated locally by the Met.
“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.
Security for Windsor Castle is managed by the Royalty and Specialist Protection team, despite the Berkshire castle sitting within the Thames Valley Police boundary.
Officers are deployed at all entrances and exits, as well as throughout the 655-acre estate.
Uniformed royal protection foot patrols cover the castle, estate, and perimeter, while a vast network of fencing, alarms, and sensors further reinforces protection.
The Sun reported that the royal family is believed to have their own armed protection officers when they are inside the estate.
Four state visits have taken place at the castle in the past months, among them, the visit of US President Donald Trump in September.
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