A significant number of officers assigned to safeguard the Royal Family have been placed on restricted duties following allegations that some may have fallen asleep and abandoned their posts at Windsor Castle, according to London police.
The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed that 23 officers within its Royalty and Specialist Protection command are now subject to misconduct notices. Of those, 21 have been moved to restricted duties after what authorities described as an urgent investigation launched last month.
A spokesperson for the force said, “The alleged behaviour falls below the high standards expected of officers, particularly in frontline protective roles.”
The concerns reportedly surfaced after an investigation by The Sun, which alleged that officers were seen leaving designated posts unattended at Windsor Castle and, in some cases, sleeping while on duty. The royal residence is one of the primary homes of King Charles.
The unit under scrutiny is responsible for providing security to members of the Royal Family as well as protecting official royal properties. The Metropolitan Police added that the two officers not placed on restricted duties will also be barred from deployment at royal sites while inquiries continue, which now extend to additional royal residences.
Windsor Castle, situated west of London, is frequently used for private stays and official events. It has also hosted several prominent international visitors, including former U.S. President Donald Trump during a visit last year.
