Up to 30 armed police officers responsible for protecting The King at Windsor Castle are under investigation over allegations some officers fell asleep while on duty or abandoned security posts.
The officers, all part of the Metropolitan Police Service’s Royalty and Specialist Protection command, are alleged to have committed serious breaches while carrying out frontline security duties at the royal residence.
According to reports, concerns were raised after claims that some officers signed in for shifts but failed to attend their assigned posts, while others were allegedly found sleeping during protective duties.
The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has launched what the force described as an “urgent investigation” into the claims.
A spokesperson for the force 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 but determined the matter should remain under investigation by the Met internally.
A decision on whether any of the officers involved should be placed on restricted duties is expected before the end of next week.
The investigation is understood to have been reported to the Royal Household, with Buckingham Palace and the King said to be aware of the allegations. The Palace declined to comment publicly.
The claims have raised fresh questions about security arrangements at Windsor Castle, which has faced several high-profile security incidents in recent years.
In 2021, a man armed with a crossbow breached the castle grounds on Christmas Day and told police he was there to kill Elizabeth II.
Last year, another intruder climbed a wall at the castle and was arrested on suspicion of trespassing, while thieves also targeted an estate farm near Adelaide Cottage, where William, Prince of Wales and his family live.
Despite Windsor Castle falling within the jurisdiction of Thames Valley Police, responsibility for royal protection rests with the Met’s specialist protection teams.
