Allegations surfaced regarding armed police officers assigned to protect Windsor Castle potentially falling asleep on duty. The Metropolitan Police Service has initiated an urgent internal investigation into members of its Royalty and Specialist Protection unit, responsible for guarding senior royals and royal residences.
An insider told Radar Online that there is genuine concern internally about some officers becoming complacent due to Windsor appearing quiet for long stretches when senior royals are not constantly moving around the estate. Security experts know that those quieter periods can create vulnerability because routines become predictable and attention levels drop.
The fear is not simply about officers nodding off; the wider concern is any lapse at a site protecting members of the Royal Family could provide an opening for someone with far more dangerous intentions. That’s why the allegations are being treated so seriously behind closed doors, according to the source.
One claim under examination involves an officer allegedly signing in for an armed protection shift but then failing to properly attend the position they had been assigned to cover. If proven true, this is viewed internally as a serious lapse given the sensitivity of the site and the level of responsibility attached to royal protection duties.
There’s concern within police circles since such situations damage confidence not only in the officers involved but also in the wider security operation surrounding the Royal Family. Windsor Castle is one of the most high-profile protected locations in the country, so any suggestion that standards may have slipped is embarrassing for the Met and raises uncomfortable questions about potential vulnerabilities.
The allegations are being treated with real urgency because they go far beyond minor disciplinary issues. Officers could ultimately face suspension, restrictions on duties, or formal misconduct proceedings if investigators conclude there was neglect of responsibilities or behavior that placed security at risk. King Charles and other senior royals have reportedly been informed.