Beefeaters facing bullying allegations

LONDON, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Three Tower of London ceremonial guards, also known as beefeaters, are facing an inquiry for the alleged bullying of a female colleague, tower officials said.

Tower of London authorities said Monday that two of the unidentified male warders were suspended as a result of the bullying allegations regarding the tower's first female beefeater, while a third male warden is still being investigated, The Times of London Online reported.

"As soon as these allegations were brought to our attention, we immediately instigated procedures under our harassment policy," Tower authorities said in a statement.

"An internal investigation is already under way to establish whether these allegations have any foundation and should conclude within two to three weeks."

The authorities said Yeoman Warder Moira Cameron's uniform was defaced along with her entry on the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia. Notes of an unpleasant nature were reportedly also left inside her tower locker.

The Times said Cameron, 44, became the first female beefeater in July 2007 and at the time admitted she faced some resistance from her colleagues.

"I've had some comments," she said. "I had one chap at the gate one day who said he was completely and utterly against me doing the job."