4th May 2005 Ladies Luncheon - Ken Wharfe MVO
Princess Diana’s Police Support
David Smart introduced Ken Wharfe (shown left) and gave a potted account of who he was and as a former Police Officer outlined the esteem that the Police force in general held for those officers who formed a special unit with the sole purpose of providing protection for the Royal Family.
Ken then gave us his history of enrolment and movements within the Police force prior to joining the protection unit. He also reminded us of the many changes, not all for the good that had taken place across the British lifestyle and the Police force in general, political correctness and freedom of action deemed to be our right.
Ken Wharfe was born in Canterbury, Kent and joined the Metropolitan Police Force as a special cadet at the age of 17. He attained the rank of Inspector before being selected to join Scotland Yard's elite Royal and Diplomatic Protection Department, SO14.
Ken gave several, at speed, examples of British society and the Police Force that have become unbalanced due to changes in law and the freedom of rights acts etc. For example only recently the case of: how the police have been told that it is too dangerous for them to put up a flag outside of their station. Although the union flag has been flown, without mishap, for more than 70 years from the police station in Woodbridge, Suffolk, health and safety officers have ruled that it can no longer be raised because it involves someone leaning out of a window.
The flag pole is 5 metres above the street and a retired policeman noticed that the flag was not flying from it to mark the Queen's birthday. He was informed that restrictive access to the pole on the front wall of the police station meant that the flag could no longer be flown on state occasions. The flagpole and halyard were situated immediately outside one of the windows at the front of the police station and all that was needed was for some brave police officer to open the window, attach the flag to the halyard and then hoist. Ken remarked I do not wish to criticise the police but these health and safety issues have gone too far, likewise many changes including political correctness.
Ken then went on giving some amusing anecdote of his first interview for the post of protection officer for the Royal children, which naturally included close proximity to The Prince of Wales and of course Diana the Princess. He mimicked the voices of several Royals with great amusement to the Probus members, especially about the Jack Russell terrier who got put into the kitchen oven to stop it’s thieving of bits from the area, then the Prince appeared enquiring the whereabouts of his favourite dog, but this episode had a happy ending, but a little warm for the dog!
The SAS trained officer was chosen to head up security for the Queen's grandchildren, heir apparent Prince William and Prince Harry who, as children, affectionately called him 'Uncle Ken'. A year later in 1987 he was appointed as Personal Protection Officer to the Princess of Wales. Diana trusted him with her innermost secrets during the most traumatic years of her marriage to Prince Charles and he was at her side as she plotted to escape what she believed was the gilded cage of the Royal Family. In charge of the Princess's around the clock security at home and abroad, in public and in private, Ken became a close friend and loyal confidant who shared her most private moments.
Ken spent six years as Diana’s bodyguard when her two sons were young boys. He became one of her closest confidantes and was aware of intimate details of her affairs as her marriage broke down. As Diana and Charles became estranged, Wharfe also became a father figure to William and Harry. For a parents’ sports day at the boys’ prep school, he took part in the dad’s race while Diana ran in the mum’s race. Wharfe later fell out with Diana and was moved from his job in 1993 to take up other duties with the royal protection squad.
Apparently he angered Royals and senior police officers by publishing his book;
Diana: Closely Guarded Secret
which contains intimate details of the Princess’s extra-marital affairs and describes her irrational mood swings? Ken remains unrepentant and cast doubt on reports that the Royal Family was furious. He said: The last thing I would want to do is annoy or upset anybody. If, genuinely, William or Harry are sad about this, and for that matter the Prince of Wales, well, then that’s unfortunate but I stand by what I have written and I would ask William and Harry and anybody else to read it and see for the first time the very positive side of their mother.
Wharfe has defended the book on the grounds that it offers a truthful account of the princess’s character. He claims Diana’s true memory was in danger of being airbrushed from history.
This actually tells you what the Princess was really like, a fun-loving, honest person who had one aim in life, to represent the monarchy and show new initiatives to take the monarchy forward into the 21st century.
His resignation in November 1993 made headline news. Just weeks later the Princess announced she was withdrawing from public life and then axed her Scotland Yard Protection, a decision Ken believes ultimately led to her death.
Just months after Diana's death in Paris on August 31st 1997 Inspector Wharfe was honoured by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace and made a Member of the Victorian Order, a personal gift of the Sovereign for his loyal service to her family. Until his retirement after 34 years serving in the Metropolitan Police Force, nearly half in Royalty protection, he was Personal Protection Officer to the Queen's cousin, the Duke of Kent
This was a humorous but very interesting presentation, this report barely scratches the surface, so if you get as chance to hear Ken in person, please take the opportunity, or read his book.
Ken then took a range of questions mainly about his opinions on events or people, most of which are best left to private occasions rather than on this website. There is another link below which goes forward to a pro Diana site, but please read both sides of this complex case.
Another question was Do you carry a weapon? The fact of the matter is that in the U.K., the only armed bodyguards are members of the Police Royal Protection Squad and the Diplomatic Protection Group. No private bodyguard has the right to carry or use a weapon. Even though outside the U.K. there are countries where a Close Protection Operative can carry guns, but the hassle involved in getting weapons in and out of airports, with all their stringent security measures makes this practically impossible, Ken said this was especially true for America, but went on to say those guys are some of the best and to him have been very helpful, he also stated he has never fired in anger for Royal protection, but of course has done so many times in training and refresher course.
John Mills our Probus Assistant Secretary gave a vote of thanks for a splendid talk, although he confessed to be in the pro Diana Camp!
The membership and guests about 88 in number responded in our normal manner with heartfelt applause.
Ena Smart the Presidents wife on behalf of the ladies and guests gave a vote of thanks to the committee for arranging the day, especial Eric Hussey who had organised the details to a fine degree, well done Eric.
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