Probe into alleged bullying of first female Beefeater

SOMETHING is rotten — again — at the Tower of London, long known for its treachery, bloodshed, and executions.

If the new charges are true, it’s time to add bullying to the litany of foul deeds committed at the notorious royal fortress where many were tortured and three English queens were executed centuries ago.

At issue is the alleged bullying of a contemporary trailblazer: Moira Cameron, the first woman to serve as yeoman warder at the Tower, which dates back to the 11th century.

It appears Cameron, 44, was isolated and harassed by resentful male colleagues, despite her long experience in the military.

Embarrassed Tower officials said yesterday that two male warders have been suspended and a third is under investigation for suspected harassment of Cameron, who joined the prestigious warders two years ago, integrating what had been an all-male preserve for centuries.

A statement released by the Tower of London said harassment among its staff was “totally unacceptable” and that an internal investigation started as soon as the allegations were received.

“We can confirm that three yeoman warders are under investigation in response to allegations of harassment,” the Tower statement said. “Two have been suspended. We take such allegations very seriously and our formal harassment policy makes it clear that this is totally unacceptable.”

The warders, who patrol the fortress on the banks of the River Thames, are popularly known as “Beefeaters” mostly because of the extra rations of meat they were given during medieval times.

Cameron’s ceremonial, red-and-gold outfit was specially modified to fit her female frame.

Her introduction to the exclusive service went relatively smoothly, but some tensions were present from the start.

Cameron, with military experience both in Cyprus and the North, said when her appointment was announced that some of her colleagues resented her presence.

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

Her reply was quick and piercing: “I said to him, ‘I would like to thank you for dismissing my 22 years’ service in her majesty’s armed forces’.”