The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into officers accused of sleeping while on duty protecting the royal family at Windsor Castle. An unspecified number of officers from the royalty and specialist protection team are under scrutiny after concerns were raised about their conduct.
Allegations of Misconduct
The allegations include officers leaving their posts unattended and sleeping while supposed to be on protective duty. The Sun newspaper, which first reported the story, suggested up to 30 officers could be involved.
The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) has initiated an urgent investigation, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been informed. The royal family has also been notified of the probe.
Expected Standards
A Met 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 IOPC has concluded that the matter will be investigated locally by the Met. As part of the inquiries, the DPS is assessing whether any of the officers under investigation should be placed on restricted duties. A decision on this is expected before the end of next week.
Reactions
Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the matter, and the IOPC was unavailable for comment. The Met has not disclosed the exact number of officers involved or their specific roles, but the investigation underscores the seriousness with which the force treats allegations of dereliction of duty in high-profile protective roles.
