Probe over claims royal police officers slept on duty

Police officers responsible for protecting the Royal Family at Windsor Castle are being investigated over allegations they fell asleep on duty and left their posts unattended.

The Metropolitan Police said its directorate of professional standards (DPS) had launched an "urgent investigation" into a number of officers on protective duties at the castle in Berkshire.

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

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

The DPS will assess whether those under investigation should be placed on restricted duties, with a decision expected "before the end of next week".

The force said the Independent Office for Police Conduct had been 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.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.