Police officers responsible for protecting the royal family at Windsor Castle are under investigation following allegations that they slept while on duty. The Metropolitan Police’s Royalty and Specialist Protection team is facing scrutiny after concerns were raised about the conduct of several officers.
Allegations of Negligence
The allegations include officers leaving their posts unattended and sleeping while on duty, according to a report by The Sun. The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) has launched an urgent investigation, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been informed. A decision on whether any officers should be placed on restricted duties is expected before the end of next week.
Met Police Statement
A Met Police spokesperson stated: ‘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, though this figure has not been confirmed by police. The force added that the DPS is assessing whether any of those under investigation should be placed on restricted duties, with a decision expected by the end of next week.
Security Concerns
Buckingham Palace declined to comment, and the IOPC was unavailable. A 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.’
This is not the first time royal security has been questioned. In 2021, an intruder, Jaswant Singh Chail, then 19, broke into the grounds of Windsor Castle on Christmas Day. He was detained within moments, but the incident left a ‘chill in the air over what could have been,’ a royal source said.
