Armed police have reportedly been banned from royal residences over a series of “inappropriate” comments.
A female member of staff at Kensington Palace, where the Prince and Princess of Wales still have a residence, issued a complaint about a string of comments, according to The Sun.
The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into reports of “misogynistic” behaviour by its Royalty and Specialist Protection officers, though findings are not believed to be serious enough to reach the “misconduct” threshold.
The comments are said to have included remarks made by staff in the offices in the West London palace.
Another cop allegedly tried to befriend the female member of staff on Facebook, which she found “inappropriate”.
The officers were cleared for duty after the investigation; however, action from the Royal Household meant they were relocated to other armed duties, the paper reported. The royal couple is said to have been informed of the incident.
A Met spokesperson told the paper: “The reported behaviour falls below the high standards expected of officers, particularly those in frontline protective roles.
“As a result of our internal investigation into this matter, the officers received reflective practice to consider their actions and identify learning for the future.
“It remains a priority for the Met to ensure all officers and staff uphold the highest standards of professionalism, so we can continue to build trust and confidence with those we serve.”
HELLO! has reached out to the Metropolitan Police for further comment.
Royals at Kensington Palace
Though Prince William and Kate now live full-time in Forest Lodge in Windsor, they still have Apartment 1A in the palace as their London base for when they are in the city. It remains their official headquarters.
© Getty ImagesApartment 1A has a receiving name and, in fact, has around 20 rooms, including five reception rooms, three main bedrooms, and separate staff quarters. It was formerly the home of Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II’s sister.
Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, also have a home called Ivy Cottage in the palace when they’re not at their Portugal residence. Princess Diana previously stayed at the property, including after her divorce from the then-Prince Charles.
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent have lived at Apartment 10 at the palace for 40 years.
Kensington Palace is located at the end of Hyde Park in West London and has approximately 550 rooms. It has around-the-clock security by armed guards.
Staff investigation
It comes after it was revealed that several of King Charles’s protection officers at Windsor Castle were under investigation for sleeping on duty, according to The Sun.
© Getty ImagesAddressing the investigation, a Met Police spokesperson said: “The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has launched an urgent investigation following concerns raised regarding the conduct of a number of officers on protective duties at Windsor Castle.
“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.”
Buckingham Palace did not publicly address the investigation.
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