Royal Protection Officers Accused of Sleeping on Duty at Windsor

More than 20 British police officers responsible for protecting the royal family are facing disciplinary action over allegations that they slept on duty or left their posts unattended at Windsor Castle.

The Metropolitan Police said it had served misconduct notices on 23 officers from the Royalty and Specialist Protection command. Twenty-one of them have been placed on restricted duties.

Police launched an urgent investigation last month after The Sun reported that officers had been accused of leaving their posts unattended at Windsor Castle and sleeping while on duty.

“The alleged behaviour falls below the high standards expected of officers, particularly in frontline protective roles”, a police spokesperson said.

The two officers who were not placed on restricted duties will not be deployed to royal residences while the investigation continues. Police said enquiries were also under way at other royal residences.

Windsor Castle, one of King Charles III’s residences, is regularly used for private stays and state occasions. Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

(reuters, bak)