The Queen has expressed concern about a shake up in her security detail that means her protection officers are regularly rotated, it has been claimed.

Scotland Yard has been gradually implementing a new policy that provides protection to the royal family on a pool basis, meaning back-up officers are sometimes assigned to government ministers and sometimes to royalty.

A senior source told the Evening Standard: “Her Majesty is not the only one who has expressed concerns.

“A number of senior officers are not happy either. Personal protection is all about building a relationship with the principal. How on earth is that supposed to happen if the officers are rotated every five minutes with new faces?”

Ken Wharfe, who was a personal protection officer for Diana, Princess of Wales, said: “The security will be less effective.

“Understanding the behaviours of the person you are charged with protecting is crucial. Understanding the machinations of the royal household is very important too.