More than 20 police officers responsible for the protection of the royal family have been punished after some were accused of sleeping on duty at Windsor Castle and leaving their posts unattended, Reuters reports.
In total, 23 officers from the royal family protection command and special operations were handed notices of disciplinary violations, with 21 of them reassigned to limited duties after, according to the police, an urgent investigation was launched last month, the police reported.
"The alleged behavior does not meet the high standards expected of officers, especially those performing protective duties," said a police representative.
The allegations became known after The Sun newspaper reported that the officers were accused of leaving their posts unattended in Windsor, one of King Charles's residences, and of sleeping while on duty.
Officers from the specialized police unit are responsible for the protection of royal family members and royal residences.
Two officers who were not suspended from duty will not be deployed to royal residences while the investigation is ongoing, according to a police statement, which also noted that investigations are continuing at other royal residences.
Windsor Castle, where the king hosted U.S. President Donald Trump last year, is located west of London and is regularly used for both private visits and state events.
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