Meghan Markle's Bodyguard Is Reportedly Stepping Down
Over the weekend, The Sunday Times reported that one of Meghan Markle's bodyguards is stepping down after less than a year on the job. But the departure wasn't fueled by tensions with the royal family, despite speculation otherwise.
The chief protection officer, an inspector with the Metropolitan Police who remains unnamed for security reasons, is retiring from the police force altogether, not just her position guarding the royal family, a source tells BAZAAR.com. She's been at Kensington Palace for six months, The Sunday Times reported.
"The decision to leave was 'personal' and no reflection on her time with the Duchess of Sussex, who she enjoyed working with," the source tells BAZAAR of the bodyguard's departure. "She will be missed," the insider added. Kensington Palace and The Met police haven't publicly commented on the reports.
Meghan's bodyguard was previously in the royal spotlight in October after the Duchess of Sussex's engagement at a market in Suva, Fiji was cut short due to a "security scare." The guard accompanied Meghan throughout the Sussexes' royal tour of the Pacific, visiting Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga.
The bodyguard was also reportedly working with Meghan and Harry on security arrangements for their future home in Windsor, Frogmore Cottage, where they are set to relocate this year, according to The Sunday Times.
Although the bodyguard remains nameless, she is considered "brilliant" by her colleagues, The Times reports. She replaced Prince Harry's long-serving head of security, Sergeant Bill Renshaw, who retired last year.
It isn't unusual for royals to have women in security positions; Kate Middleton and Duchess Camilla have also had female bodyguards.
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