It’s no secret that Meghan Markle has had an extremely big year.
From marrying her Prince to becoming a soon-to-be mum, the Duchess’ life is certainly different from her days as Hollywood actress – and with this, comes an incredible jump in security risk.
According to the Daily Mail, it seems that the task of being her security detail is no mean feat, as her chief protection officer is said to be stepping down from the role after just six months.
Duchess Meghan Markle’s bodyguard has reportedly quit the top job. (Source: Getty)
The “highly regarded inspector” was the first woman to hold such a prestigious position in the Royal family and also played a pivotal role in removing Meghan from a crowded Fiji market in October last year.
Overnight, she reportedly resigned from Scotland Yard due to the challenging nature of the role, particularly as Meghan wished to be seen as “one of the people”.
While there are no claims that Meghan and her chief protection officer (who is not being named) clashed, the resignation comes after the recent departure of Meghan’s personal assistant, Melissa Touabti and speculation that private secretary Samantha Cohen had also resigned from her duties.
Sources told the Daily Mail that “even though [Meghan] was a famous actress, she could still do what she wanted in the way of getting around freely.
“But in her current role she can’t go anywhere without her protection team, and that’s a massive constraining force on an individual like her.”
The protection officer took over from Sergeant Bill Renshaw who had been Prince Harry’s head of security before his retirement last year.
It is thought that the Metropolitan Police’s Royalty and Specialist Protection branch will be looking for a female replacement.
Duchess Meghan Markle meeting the women of SmartWorks in January. (Source: Getty Images)
While not much is known about the officer, during Meghan and Prince Harry’s royal tour in Fiji, she was catapulted into the spotlight during a security risk in a Suva market.
Upon arrival, the Duchess was greeted by thousands of fans who had packed into the small space waiting to catch a glimpse of her.
After Meghan whispered into her aide’s ear, the security officer took matters into her own hands, allowing the Duchess only half of the pre-scheduled 15 minutes due to her concern around the dark, confined space and large turnout of people.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson told the Press Association at the time, that Meghan’s visit was cut short due to the crowd.
“On advice she was taken out due to crowd management issues,” they said. “She met everyone she was meant to meet and left.”
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Meghan was whisked away from the public appearance early. (Image: Getty Images)
This resignation is the third in two months for Meghan.
When Melissa Touabti resigned, speculations arose as to why someone would leave such an exciting and prominent position so soon.
According to British publication The Mirror, the job was highly pressurised, and the Duchess didn’t make matters easier.
“Meghan put a lot of demands on her and it ended up with her in tears,” a source told the publication.
“Melissa is a total professional and fantastic at her job, but things came to a head and it was easier for them both to go their separate ways.”
An insider also said that the resignation was a “real shock” given how glamorous the gig sounded on paper.
“Why would she want to leave such a prestigious job so soon?” They told the Daily Mail.
“Melissa is a hugely talented person. She played a pivotal role in the success of the Royal Wedding and will be missed by everyone in the Royal Household.”
Samantha accompanied Meghan and the Queen on their royal engagement to Cheshire. (Image: Getty Images)
Private Secretary Samantha Cohen also announced her resignation after 17 years working with the royals.
Australian-born Samantha, 49, landed the job of the Sussex’s private secretary back in April after Harry’s former Personal Secretary stepped down following five years working alongside the red-haired Prince.
She will leave their service in the 2019 British spring – after the birth of the new royal baby.
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