Action taken over claims royal police slept on duty

Twenty-one police officers have been placed on restricted duties following claims officers responsible for protecting the Royal Family at Windsor Castle fell asleep and left their posts unattended.

The Metropolitan Police said a total of 23 officers have been served with misconduct notices following an "urgent investigation" launched last month.

The allegations were first reported by The Sun and involve officers from the Met's Royalty and Specialist Protection team.

A Met spokesperson said: "The alleged behaviour falls below the high standards expected of officers, particularly in frontline protective roles."

Of the two officers who have not been put on restricted duties, they will not be deployed to any royal residences while the investigation continues, the spokesperson added.

The force also confirmed that enquiries were also being made about the conduct of officers on protective duties at other royal residences.

Police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct was informed and concluded the matter would be investigated locally by the Met.

Windsor Castle is one of the official residences of King Charles III and is regularly used by senior members of the Royal Family for private and state occasions.

Officers from the Met's Royalty and Specialist Protection team are responsible for guarding royal residences and protecting members of the Royal Family.

The Royal Household has been informed. When approached last month, Buckingham Palace declined to comment.