Ken Wharfe

Ken Wharfe was born in Canterbury, England 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.

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 Wharfe became a close friend and loyal confidant who shared her most private moments. He was even featured in the infamous "Dianagate" tapes when the Princess and her close friend James Gilbey discussed getting him to sanction their clandestine meetings.

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 her former 'top cop' - as the British press referred to him - believes ultimately led to her death.

Just months after Diana's death in Paris on Aug 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. He is the first Royal Protection Officer to publish his memoirs.