Scotland Yard has launched an urgent investigation into Metropolitan Police officers stationed at Windsor Castle after allegations surfaced that some fell asleep while on protective duty and abandoned their posts.
The BBC reported that the Metropolitan Police confirmed its directorate of professional standards has opened a formal probe into a number of officers assigned to protective roles at the Berkshire royal residence. The force said the alleged behaviour falls well below the standards expected of officers in frontline protective positions.
The investigation is still in its early stages but the Met has indicated it will decide before the end of next week whether any of the officers under scrutiny should be placed on restricted duties in the meantime.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct was informed about the matter and concluded that it should be handled locally by the Metropolitan Police rather than referred upward for an independent inquiry.
Windsor Castle is one of the most closely guarded royal properties in Britain. It serves as both an official royal residence and a working palace used regularly by the King. Officers posted there are expected to maintain constant vigilance given the nature of the location and those they are protecting.
The Metropolitan Police's directorate of professional standards handles complaints and misconduct matters involving officers across the force. Launching an urgent investigation signals the seriousness with which the allegations are being treated internally.
No officers have been named and no disciplinary outcomes have been announced at this stage. The investigation is active and the Met has not indicated how many officers are involved beyond describing it as "a number."
