More than 20 police officers responsible for protecting the royal family have been placed on restricted duties after some were accused of falling asleep at Windsor Castle and leaving their posts unattended, London police said.
A total of 23 officers from the Royalty and Specialist Protection command have been served with misconduct notices, with 21 of them on restricted duties, following what the force described as an urgent investigation launched last month, the Metropolitan Police said.
“The alleged behaviour falls below the high standards expected of officers, particularly in frontline protective roles,” a spokesperson for the force said.
The allegations came to light after the Sun newspaper reported that officers were accused of leaving their posts unattended at Windsor, one of King Charles’ residences, as well as sleeping while on duty.
Officers from the police specialist unit are responsible for protecting members of the Royal Family and guarding royal residences.
The two officers not placed on restricted duties would not be deployed to royal residences while the investigation continued, the police statement said, adding that enquiries were also under way at other royal residences.
Windsor Castle, where the king hosted US President Donald Trump last year to the west of London, is regularly used for both private stays and state occasions.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
