TWO Yeoman Warders from the Tower of London have been suspended and another is under investigation over allegations of harassment of the first ever female Beefeater.
Moira Cameron from Argyll made headlines in 2007 when she became the first woman in more than 500 years to wear the distinctive uniform of the Tower guards.
But yesterday it emerged two of her colleagues had been suspended and a third was under in
vestigation for allegations of bullying . A spokeswoman for Historic Royal Palaces said: "We can confirm three Yeoman Warders are under investigation in response to allegations of harassment; two have been suspended."
When Ms Cameron, 44, took up her post two years ago, she told reporters it was her dream job. She said: "It had occurred to me years ago that this might be a fun job, but I'd never thought about it seriously as I thought it was closed to women. But then I saw an ad saying it wasn't just a job for the boys, so I applied."
Like all 35 Beefeaters, she had a long and distinguished army career before taking up the mostly ceremonial role in the Tower.
She said there had been "a few puffed chests and a bit of huffing and blowing from some of the blokes" when she turned up for duty – but said she believed her colleagues had adapted to the change.
Ms Cameron, who described herself as a royalist, told one visitor who made a disparaging comment: "I would like to thank you for dismissing my 22 years' service in Her Majesty's armed forces."
But yesterday it emerged that a handful of her Yeoman Warder colleagues had continued to resist her presence in the Tower.
It is understood one fellow warder has been accused of tampering with Ms Cameron's entry on the online encyclopedia Wikipedia. Police confirmed a man had been given a caution for inappropriate use of the internet.
Other reports claimed unpleasant notes were left for Ms Cameron.
According to one account, her ceremonial uniform had been deliberately damaged – but this was denied by a spokeswoman for Historic Royal Palaces. However, the spokeswoman confirmed a full investigation would be carried out. "We take such allegations very seriously and our formal harassment policy makes it clear that this is totally unacceptable. We believe everyone is entitled to work in an environment free from any form of harassment, a principle that we expect all our staff to value and uphold.
"As soon as these allegations were brought to our attention, we immediately instigated procedures under our harassment policy. An internal investigation is already underway to establish whether these allegations have any foundation and should conclude within two to three weeks. Meanwhile, the Tower of London is a close-knit community and, understandably, this is a difficult time for us all."
A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed officers had been called in. "A 56-year-old man received a caution under the Communications Act on 20 October. It related to inappropriate use of the internet."
£24,000 JOBTO QUALIFY as a Yeoman Warder, a candidate must have a minimum of 22 years' service in the army, RAF or Royal Marines. All applicants must hold the Long Service and Good Conduct medals and be 44-50 years old.
There are 35 Yeoman Warders. All have a tied flat within the Tower ans some live with their families.
The warders were established in 1485. In 1509, they were given the name King's Warders. The Duke of Wellington decreed in 1826 they should be recruited from the armed forces.
The term Beefeaters is thought to have referred to their superior rations.
Yeoman Warders wear a dark blue tunic for everyday duties. The red ceremonial costume, worn in the presence of the monarch, costs £1,400.
Today, much of the job involves guiding visitors and explaining the history of the Tower. The starting salary is thought to be £24,000.
