Officers from the Met Police’s Royalist and Specialist Protection team responsible for security at Windsor Castle are being investigated amid claims they fell asleep on the job
An urgent probe is underway into claims specialist Met Police officers failed in their duty to protect King Charles III at Windsor Castle with some officers even accused of falling asleep on the job.
Up to 30 officers from the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection squad are under investigation for misconduct, according to The Sun. Among the extraordinary claims are that some officers fell asleep on the job. It is also claimed someone failed to attend their post after clocking in for duty.
The Royalist and Specialist Protection team is responsible for security at the castle, despite it sitting within the jurisdiction of Thames Valley Police.
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The Sun reported that the King and the Royal Household is aware of the investigation. Of the probe, a source told the newspaper that they had heard an allegation that “suggests someone clocking on for duty and then not turning up at their post”.
They added: “It’s an embarrassment for the police, as well as exposing a potential security breach. These are serious allegations which could lead to officers being suspended and placed under investigation for misconduct and dereliction of duty.”
The Mirror has contacted the Met and Buckingham Palace for comment The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards is set to decide if any officers will be taken off duty by the end of next week, reports say.
Head of the Met, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, said in a statement: “Our 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 Independent Office for Police Conduct has been informed and concluded that this matter will be investigated locally by the Met. As part of their enquiries, DPS is assessing whether any of those under investigation should be placed on restricted duties. A decision is expected to be made on this before the end of next week.”
The duties of the specialist unit include foot patrols and being deployed to the castle entrances. Further security measures are found in the form of alarms, sensors and fencing. There have been scares on the royal estate, adding to the scrutiny in the current Met standards probe. In 2021, a man broke into Windsor Castle on Christmas Day said he was “here to kill the Queen”.
In October 2024, thieves used a pick-up truck and quad bike stolen from an estate farm to smash the security gate. The Sun source added that the size of the castle brings “huge logistical challenges”, but “designed to keep people out and those inside to be safe”.
When the Royal Family are not present, it is not a time for officers to “take their eye off the ball” due to the priceless artwork inside, the source said. The protection of the castle is subject to a risk assessment every week, it is understood. Protection usually increases when royalty is present.
