“Behind the Shield: Unveiling the Secrets of the Royal Bodyguards Who Stand Between the Crown and Danger”
The British Army Guards The Queen
If you thought that the Princes, Princesses, and Duchesses got a lot of protection, just imagine what it would be like to be the queen! Queen Elizabeth II has an entire team from the British Army who ensures her safety at all times.
These guards are called the Household Cavalry and they consist of two groups: the Lifeguards and the Blues and Royals. Both units are the most senior regiments of the British Army, so it doesn’t get any higher than them. Prince Harry and Prince William both joined the Blues and Royals during their military service.
Queen Elizabeth II Has Been Colonel-In-Chief Since 1952
Queen Elizabeth II has gotten to know her guards exceptionally well, both as their queen and their Colonel-In-Chief. She assumed the role when her father passed in 1952, acting as Colonel-In-Chief first for The Royal Scots Greys and then the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in 1971.
The role does not consist of operational practices, but rather ceremonial ones. In other words, Queen Elizabeth II is not the one who would issue orders but rather plays a key role in staying informed of the regiment’s activities and linking them to the royal family.
Police Inspector Alexander Usher Became Like Family
When Queen Elizabeth II married Prince Philip, police inspector Alexander Usher was the one put in charge of her safety throughout the ceremony. Though he was only 35-years-old at the time, he’d already spent nearly half his life on the force.
Alexander spent six years as an important part of Queen Elizabeth II’s detail, so much so that he was invited to family christenings and teas. He even watched over the royal children at times. In 1953, Alexander received the Royal Victorian Medal for his work under the royal family.
There Are Precautions Taken During Driving Trips
When driving the royals, it’s of the utmost importance that the bodyguards are on high alert since they are passing through tons of people. That’s why the police often escort the royals, surrounding their car so that if anything happens, law enforcement is already there.
To top it off, the royal family’s chauffeurs don’t take the same route to places every time. They try to avoid routines so that anyone who may be planning an attack won’t be able to pin down the precise spot they’ll be while en route.
Princess Anne’s Bodyguard Was Once Attacked
Queen Elizabeth II’s only daughter, Princess Anne, was once face-to-face with danger despite her extensive protection team. In 1974, the Princess and her husband, Mark Phillips, found themselves nearly kidnapped by Ian Ball.
The criminal managed to attack their chauffeur, a journalist, a policeman, and Anne’s personal bodyguard, James Beaton. Princess Anne managed to lock herself in the car long enough for Ian to take off running. James ended up in the hospital but was later rewarded with the George Cross for his act of bravery.
An Intruder Once Made It Into The Queen’s Bedroom
Given how extensively guarded Buckingham Palace is, you would think it would be impossible for someone to break in. Yet, that’s exactly what happened in 1982 when 31-year-old Michael Fagan scaled a 14-foot wall and snuck through Queen Elizabeth II’s window.
Prince Philip had left the palace only an hour before the intrusion occurred. Michael’s entrance woke the queen up, but she swiftly tricked the man into walking into the arms of security. Michael didn’t seem to have any mal intent, stating he just wanted to “talk” to the queen. He ended up being hospitalized after the event.
There Have Been Multiple Accidental Firings
Fortunately, there haven’t been many firings at the royals under the watchful eye of their security. On the other hand, their protective team has had a few hiccups when it came to accidental firings. In 1992, the head of the palace’s protective services accidentally fired a plastic bullet at his own leg!
Eight years later, a police constable accidentally discharged a firearm on the royal train. Then in 2010, the queen’s chief bodyguard accidentally set off his firearm while cleaning it. These mishaps, though harmless, go to show that even the best of the best have their off days.
The Bodyguards Do Their Best To Protect Royal Belongings
The royal bodyguards are not only committed to watching over the royal family but also do their best to protect anything belonging to the royals. That’s why when the Windsor Castle caught fire in 1992, Household Cavalry officers rushed to the scene.
