“Behind the Shield: Unveiling the Secrets of the Royal Bodyguards Who Stand Between the Crown and Danger”
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to protect a royal? I mean, think about it: when you’re dealing with one of the most prestigious families in the world, the stakes are sky-high! The British royal family is not just lavish parties and charming smiles; their bodyguards face some intense challenges to keep them safe. These protection officers form close bonds with the royals, almost like a second family, and trust me, it comes with its share of emotional highs and lows. Princess Diana had such a strong connection with her bodyguards that she was profoundly affected when one of them passed away. But it’s not all just emotional hugs and royal waves. There have been some serious security breaches and quirky blunders along the way. So, buckle up as we dive into some fascinating facts about the unsung heroes guarding one of the world’s most talked-about families! LEARN MORE.The British royal family is one of the most prestigious families in the world, so their bodyguards have to be top-notch to ensure their safety. The protection officers are close to the royals for such an extended amount of time, that they are not only trusted but deeply appreciated. Princess Diana was so close to her bodyguards that she was deeply impacted when one of them passed. It wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows, though. There were some frightening security breaches over the years and even a few mishaps by officers. Read on for fascinating facts about the bodyguards protecting one of the world’s most talked-about royal families.
Every Royal Has Their Own Bodyguard
Everyone in the royal family has an individual bodyguard to ensure that they’re protected at all times. They typically have a group of guards that makes sure the royals are safe during large events, but there’s one specific person who follows them constantly.
The bodyguard isn’t always right next to the royal family member, so it may not be immediately obvious that they’re being looked out for. But if a safety measure were ever breached, a guard would pop out in a heartbeat.
It Takes Months Of Training To Get The Greenlight
Getting hired as a bodyguard for the royal family isn’t a walk in the park. Regardless of how much experience the applicants may have, they still need to be put through a thorough evaluation that includes months of training before they can be trusted.
A former member of the Royal Protection Department, Simon Morgan, says that he went through 30 weeks of courses to be sure he could handle the job. That’s seven and a half months of learning about things like combat, driving, and more to the extent that he wouldn’t make a single mistake.
Kate’s Bodyguard Used To Work For Other Princesses
Kate Middleton’s bodyguard is Sgt. Emma Probert, who has been with the Duchess since 2010. Female officers are often assigned to female members of the royal family to help ensure that they can be comfortable. Before working with Kate, Emma was a part of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie’s detail team.
After proving to be a strong bodyguard for Kate, Emma was able to help train Meghan Markle’s bodyguard. However, Meghan’s initial bodyguard didn’t last long as she decided to leave the force. According to People, the move left Meghan feeling “gutted.”
They Live “One Step Ahead” Of The Royals
The royal bodyguards have to be on the top of their game 100% of the time. They can’t lose focus even for a second, as that could be the single moment when something goes wrong. Plus, they have to constantly evaluate the scenario.
Retired protection officer Colin Tebbutt, who guarded several royals including Princess Diana, said, “You find you live their life one step ahead of them.” A perfect example of this was when Meghan Markle’s personal protection officer pulled her out of a crowded marketplace several minutes ahead of schedule, just to be safe.
Only The Bodyguard Can Close Car Doors
News erupted over Meghan Markle’s seemingly harmless move that was strictly against protocol. The former actress mindlessly closed her own limo door as she exited the car. While it seems like something royalty should do out of politeness, it’s actually against the rules.
Only bodyguards and other protection personnel are allowed to close car doors after a royal exits. That’s because they are constantly scanning for danger, so they need to be sure the environment is safe before they shut the door. If there’s any reason for doubt, then the royal can swiftly jump back into the car before the door is shut.
