London, Jan 9 : Princess Beatrice's police bodyguard was left red-faced after her prized BMW was stolen while he was on duty.

The bodyguard is facing disciplinary action for failing to check that the Princess had removed her keys and locked the car doors before going into a shop for a sandwich.

The investigation is still under way, and the police have still not been able to locate the 1 Series BMW that was stolen in London's West End.

Beatrice, 20, told friends she was hugely embarrassed, but courtiers are questioning why her protection officer missed her mistake.

"How on earth he allowed her to leave the car unlocked and with the keys in, God only knows," the Daily Express quoted one as saying.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman added: "No arrests have been made and the car has not been recovered." (ANI)