Armed police accused of SLEEPING instead of guarding King at Windsor Castle

Up to 30 armed police officers responsible for protecting the King at Windsor Castle are under investigation for alleged misconduct.

Members of the Metropolitan Police's Royalty and Specialist Protection squad face claims they fell asleep while on duty.

Some officers are said to have signed in for their shifts before failing to turn up their assigned posts.

The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards is leading the investigation, with a decision on whether any officers will be placed on restricted duties expected by the end of next week.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has been notified but determined the matter should be handled internally by the Met.

The King and Royal Household are also aware of the ongoing investigation.

Buckingham Palace also confirmed it had been informed.

A source told The Sun: "I've heard one allegation suggests someone clocking on for duty and then not turning up at their post.

"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 Met, led by Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, said: "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 investigation follows multiple security breaches at the castle in recent years.

On Christmas Day in 2021, a man armed with a crossbow broke into the grounds, saying: "I'm here to kill the Queen."

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Last June, an intruder in his 30s who was under the influence of drugs scaled a wall and was arrested for suspected trespassing.

In October 2024, thieves stole a pick-up truck and quad bike from an estate farm before ramming through a security gate.

The Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children were sleeping at Adelaide Cottage nearby during that incident.

Thames Valley Police later dropped its investigation into the theft.

Windsor Castle sits within Thames Valley Police's jurisdiction, though security is handled by the Royalty and Specialist Protection team.

Officers patrol the castle's entrances, exits and the 655-acre estate.

Uniformed foot patrols cover the grounds, perimeter and interior of the castle itself.

The site is also protected by extensive fencing, alarms and sensor systems.

Weekly risk assessments are conducted, with security typically heightened when the Royal Family is in residence.

A source said: "The sheer size of the castle and the estate obviously brings huge logistical challenges.

"But it is a castle and so designed to keep people out and those inside to be safe.

"The main job of the guards is to keep the perimeter secure at all times and it might be boring long hours but it's worrying if standards are slipping."