From Vanity Fair · Hadley Hall Meares · · 2m
Royals and Bodyguards: Love That Wasn't Safe
Princesses and princes have secretly loved their bodyguards for decades, risking scandal and even death.
In brief
Princesses and princes have secretly loved their bodyguards for decades, risking scandal and even death. Royal bodyguards and their charges have had affairs for generations, often ending in tragedy. Originally reported by Vanity Fair.
Quick answers
- Why Do Royals Fall for Bodyguards?
- Bodyguards provide a safe space for royal women to express vulnerability, leading to emotional intimacy.
- What is the key takeaway from Royals and Bodyguards: Love That Wasn't Safe?
- Royal bodyguards and their charges have had affairs for generations, often ending in tragedy.
Royal Bodyguards: More Than Protection
Royal bodyguards often spend more time with their charges than their families, becoming emotional guardians and playmates.
“You find you live their life one step ahead of them”
Catherine the Great's Love Affair
In the 18th century, Russia’s Catherine the Great chose lovers from her personal guard, turning soldiers into wealthy studs.
“For a woman in a golden cage, bodyguards are an obvious candidate for romantic fixation”
Princess Anne and Peter Cross
Princess Anne and her bodyguard Peter Cross began an affair in 1979, meeting secretly in a cottage and Buckingham Palace.
“We got on fantastically, basically because we're both straight-talking people who like to be down to earth”
Princess Anne's Affair Ends
Cross resigned in 1980 after Princess Anne discovered his affair, but they continued secretly until 1983.
“By the time Anne found out, Cross had already packed his bags and left his quarters”
Princess Diana and Barry Mannakee
Princess Diana and her bodyguard Barry Mannakee began an affair in 1985, meeting secretly in her private apartments.
“I was like a little girl in front of him the whole time, desperate for praise, desperate”
Diana's Affair Ends in Tragedy
Mannakee was caught in a compromising position before Diana's wedding, resigned his post, and died in a motorcycle accident in 1987.
“I should never have played with fire, and I did”
Princess Stephanie of Monaco
Princess Stephanie of Monaco began an affair with her bodyguard Daniel Ducruet in 1991, having two children with him.
“We were in love, and the story wasn't supposed to end like that”
Stephanie's Marriage Ends
Ducruet and Stephanie married in 1995 but divorced in 1996 after he was photographed with an exotic dancer.
“When I got back, I told Stéphanie everything that very evening”
Princess Haya's Affair
Princess Haya of Jordan had a two-year affair with her British bodyguard Russell Flowers before fleeing to London in 2019.
“I was scared, and that was the money available in that account”
Haya's Divorce Settlement
Haya won a £554 million divorce settlement from her abusive husband in 2021, but remains under threat from him.
“There is a clear and ever-present risk to these children that is almost certain to persist until they obtain their independence”
The Royal Bodyguard Dilemma
Royal bodyguards often become emotionally close to their charges, risking affairs and scandal.
“You often spot things that could wreck their lives if they take a particular direction”
Why Do Royals Fall for Bodyguards?
Bodyguards provide a safe space for royal women to express vulnerability, leading to emotional intimacy.
“His strong shoulders clear the path ahead in the crowd”
The Cost of Royal Affairs
Affairs with bodyguards often end in divorce, death, or long-term trauma for the royal family.
“That was the biggest blow of my life”
The Long History of Royal Scandals
From Catherine the Great to modern princesses, royal bodyguards have been the subject of affairs for centuries.
“It's inevitable that such unspoken need will sometimes lead to an erotic charge”
The Risk of Royal Love
Royal bodyguards and their charges have had affairs for generations, often ending in tragedy.
“I wasn't able to do anything”
Why Bodyguards Are Special
Bodyguards are the only men royal women meet who understand their needs and provide emotional support.
“He was a typical victim of red-carpet fever”
At a glance
Royal bodyguards and their charges have had affairs for generations, often ending in tragedy.
