At least 13 of Queen Elizabeth's guards at Windsor Castle are facing tough sanctions in jail after breaking the safety protocols for COVID-19. Three more of these guards will be facing the military summary hearing this week to determine their punishment.
These soldiers belong to the 1st Battalion, The Welsh Guards, who not only protect Windsor Castle but also perform ceremonial duties for Her Majesty. According to Daily Mirror, one of these guards was even at the televised special birthday tribute for Queen Elizabeth in June, in lieu of the Trooping the Colour.
However, days prior to the unique tribute, the guards apparently threw a boozy party near Windsor Castle, when social distancing and a gathering of people are strictly prohibited. They also had a football game near the bank of the River Thames. One of the guards also spent some time with civilians at a party by the riverside, when they were supposed to be isolated from the public.
Members of the Queen's staff are under strict rules to remain in quarantine and isolation if they are on duty at Windsor Castle. The only time they can leave to see their family is if they have completed two weeks of work. They are also asked to quarantine for two weeks before they return to Windsor.
The punished soldiers will stay in jail for 14 days and will lose half a month of their salary. Further reports revealed that four of these guards also tested positive for cocaine and will likely be kicked out of the service.
Officers investigated the activities of these soldiers since June. They were also quizzed by their superiors at the Windsor barracks in the last week of August.
Sources, however, said that the punishment is "pretty extreme" but a top ranking official of the Welsh Guard said the offense is serious considering they are protecting Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. The official also said that expectations and demands are higher from the Welsh Guards.
At the height of the coronavirus lockdown, Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh had a trimmed down staff of 24 people only, which included the punished soldiers. Protocols were immediately set in place by the Master of the Household considering COVID-19 is risky and deadly for seniors with pre-existing condition. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are 94 and 99 years old, respectively.
The same strict protocols are enforced at Balmoral, where the Queen and her husband have been isolating since August. The source said that it would be unfathomable if something were to happen to Queen Elizabeth in these critical period.
