Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrived at the Invictus Games with five bodyguards, including Obama's former bodyguard, as they continue to fight the UK government's refusal to pay for their protection. Prince Harry is suing the British home office as they denied his request for royal security protection for when the Sussexes visit the UK.
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From royal protection to presidential protection
Amidst the security row with the UK government and speculations that Holland would be more dangerous for former senior royals, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle went over and above for their protection. The Sussexes are being guarded by a security crew at the games, which includes Christopher Sanchez, who was seen with the pair as Harry drove himself to the Zuiderpark athletics arena in The Hague.
Christopher Sanchez is an ex-Secret Service agent who has spent a total of five years protecting former US presidents - George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The security hunk has worked in national security for 21 years protecting many rich and famous people. His history in the security industry has now given him a position in two of the US’s high profile security firms. He is also the director of Professional Protection & Investigations in Texas which provides industry-leading insurance. And to top it all, he is also the vice president of Torchstone, a risk management organisation that has offered expertise at eleven NFL Super Bowls and four Presidential elections.
VVIP Protection
Sanchez was first witnessed keeping a watchful eye on the duchess of Sussex as Prince Harry took part in the Land Rover Challenge at the event. He was later seen joining Meghan as she was driven around in an electric golf buggy. The entire team of security personnel wore earpieces, but there were no firearms visible among them.
The former Obama’s bodyguard also aided in the guarding of the British Embassy tent yesterday, where Meghan took part in a reading programme with children of Invictus contestants. Apart from this, VVIP (very very important person) status has been granted to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. That means they will be protected by local police and members of the Dutch royal protection force as well.
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