British royals to be protected by tasers

Britain's royal family will be protected with stun guns.

The decision by police bodyguards comes after Prince Charles and his wife Camilla were attacked by student protestors as they travelled to a charity gala performance last year.

Now, after a review of the Royal Protection Squad's procedures, commanders have been told they have the option to arm officers with the "less lethal weapons" X26 Tasers.

The new police guidance says that "the availability of less lethal weapons and tactical options are intended to provide officers, including those issued with conventional firearms, with a "differentiated use of force and firearms".

The tasers work by firing a dart and delivering a 50,000 volt electric shock to an assailant from close range or up to 21 feet away and will be given to officers to supplement their firearms while protecting the royals.

The decision comes as Metropolitan Police insiders have admitted bodyguards were "virtually powerless" during the riots in December when the heir to the throne's car was attacked, according to Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper.

At one point a mob of almost 20 protestors chanted "Off with their heads" and "Tory scum" as they tried to overturn the prince's Rolls-Royce and hit the car with sticks, managing to smash a window.

One protestor even managed to strike Camilla in the face through an open window.

The incident attracted widespread criticism as the armed protection officers remained in their own cars and police on motorbikes did not dismount to go to the royal couple's aid.