These six individuals, all of whom were linked to a unit responsible for safeguarding the Palace of Westminster, now face charges for transmitting grossly offensive racist content through the messaging application. Prompted by an investigative report by BBC Newsnight, the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards launched a comprehensive inquiry.
The exchanged messages reportedly included derogatory references to the couple, who made headlines by stepping back from their roles as senior working members of the royal family and relocating to the United States in 2020.
The investigation unveiled that these inappropriate communications transpired within a closed WhatsApp group between August 2018 and September 2022.
Scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on September 7, the retired officers, whose service spanned from 2001 to 2015, now face legal consequences.
Commander James Harman, who leads the Met’s Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command, remarked, "Upon learning of these allegations, we swiftly initiated an investigation. I'm gratified that, following diligent efforts by our officers, we have managed to bring forth these charges.
