Working as a security professional for the Royal Family is an intense business but, as with any job, there are also lighthearted moments.
As some of the most senior royals, Prince William, Princess Kate, and their three young children require around-the-clock security and, naturally, it wouldn’t do for personnel to go around shouting their names.
William and Kate are of course two of the most recognisable people on the face of the planet, and their two first names combined would be enough to alert passersby to their presence, even without titles.
Those on the royal security team therefore have to be creative when it comes to thinking up nicknames for those they’ve vowed to protect – and the Wales’ monikers, back when they were still the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are unexpectedly hilarious.
According to British Heritage Travel, prior to the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the then-Cambridges were referred to as ‘Daphne Clark’ and ‘Danny Collins’ – with the initial DC of course standing for Duke of Cambridge or Duchess of Cambridge. Now, it isn’t exactly clear what names the couple are given now they’re the Prince and Princess of Wales and it’s pretty unlikely security would be comfortable letting this particular detail slip. Following the previous pattern, however, it could well be that they’re referred to by PW names.
And if you’ve ever fancied yourself a job in the field of royal protection, then a job advert posted by William and Kate themselves gives some indication as to what you can expect. The part-time security officer advertisement, posted in 2022 following two serious palace security breaches, stipulated pay of £22,390 per annum for shift work that involves two days, two nights on, and then four nights off.
The job description read: “Tasks will include the traditional elements of access control, patrolling, maintaining shift log records, monitoring CCTV, monitoring life safety systems, opening and closing the estate, and being ready to assist our visitors in any way that helps them enjoy an unforgettable experience.”
Also in 2022, Prince William honoured Kate’s personal bodyguard Sergeant Emma Probert with the Royal Victorian Order in recognition of her life-saving service. Emma, who is trained in martial arts is sometimes mistaken for a nanny – but she’s a far cry from Mary Poppins. The Sun reports that Emma carries a 9mm Glock pistol and a Taser stun gun, ready to defend Kate at all times. She even accompanied the princess in the front seat of the Rolls Royce that took her to Westminister Abbey on her wedding day, back in 2011.
