Prince William and Prince Harry received an unexpected blow a few days ago: the death of their mother Lady Di's former bodyguard. The information was confirmed last Saturday after the sudden passing of Lee Sansum at the age of 63 came to light. A heart attack ended Lee's life, who dedicated part of it to looking after the Princess of Wales and her children.
His wife announced the news on social media, describing him as her "soulmate" and "hero". Sansum was widely recognized for his work protecting the Royal Family during their vacation in Saint-Tropez in 1997. In fact, Lady Di nicknamed him 'Rambo' for his martial arts knowledge.
Prince William and Prince Harry devastated by unexpected news
The past has returned to the lives of Prince William and Prince Harry. Despite being estranged, recent news must have inevitably reminded them of their time together. Although they have now lost all contact, there was a time when they were inseparable.
It is that past they have remembered after receiving an unexpected blow: the death of their former bodyguard and their mother's. The recent news was announced by Lee Sansum's widow last Saturday. Sansum was part of the British Royal Family's security team, especially looking after the princess and her children.
Nicknamed 'Rambo' by Diana herself, Sansum was an expert in martial arts and had a distinguished career in security. Besides protecting royalty, he worked with celebrities like Tom Cruise and Sylvester Stallone, and political figures like Alex Salmond. In 2022, he published his memoir, Protecting Diana, where he recounted his close relationship with the princess and Princes William and Harry.
During his time with Diana, Sansum shared personal moments, such as teaching Harry to drive a jet ski. He also consoled the princess after the murder of Gianni Versace.
They were so close that Diana sent him a letter thanking him for making those days in Saint-Tropez "magical". Sansum recalled that she cared deeply about her children's safety and her own. After Diana's tragic death in Paris, Sansum expressed his belief that she might have survived if he had been present.
Prince William and Prince Harry lose a key figure from their childhood
That summer of 1997 in Saint-Tropez marked a turning point in the lives of Prince William and Harry. Lee had a close and respectful relationship with Diana's sons and became an indispensable person for them.
He not only protected them but also tried to impart some of his teachings. For example, he attempted to teach them kickboxing, but they were reluctant. These activities strengthened the relationship between Sansum and the young princes, creating unforgettable memories.
The Princess of Wales fully trusted him, so much so that she entrusted him with what she cherished most: her children. The relationship between Sansum and Princes William and Harry was more than physical protection; it became a bond of trust and affection. The bodyguard always fondly remembered his time with them, considering them as part of his own family.
When Diana passed away, he stopped being part of the Royal Family's security team and dedicated himself to protecting other celebrities. However, the memory of his time with William and Harry left a deep mark on his memory. Now, it is the princes who remember their past with Lee and how his death leaves a considerable void in their lives.