The Bodyguard

by Lee Sansum

This is the story of the real bodyguard, Lee Sansum, ex-Royal Military Policeman, martial arts champion, and expert in close protection. Part of Mohamed and Dodi Al-Fayed's protection team, Lee had to guard the most famous woman in the world, Princess Diana. He formed a close bond with Diana and the young princes, particularly Harry, and it was only by a stroke of luck that he was not in the car the night Diana died. That night proved to be the turning point in his own life.Over the course of his career, Lee has worked with the rich and famous, such as Hollywood stars Tom & Nicole, Pele and Sylvester Stallone, and he gives a candid account of what it's like to work in a job where lives are literally at stake.Growing up in a tough part of Greater Manchester, Lee learnt the hard way that to survive you need to stand up to bullies and be harder than your opponent. A career in the Royal Military Police took him to the "Bandit Country" of South Armagh, where he pulled an AWOL squaddie out of a honey trap moments before an IRA active service unit arrived to kill him. He worked undercover in Northern Ireland and joined the SIB, the Army's own internal affairs unit, before entering the world of private security, operating in the world's hotspots, such as Libya and the breakaway state of Somaliland.Lee's story is one of quiet strength, of how reading a situation is invaluable to getting out of trouble. It is one of achieving personal goals and overcoming trauma through the help of his wife, Kate, and through his love of martial arts. It is also a fitting tribute to one of the outstanding figures of our age.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2022

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this an interesting read - Lee lives locally and taught my boys kickboxing when they were younger and is actually taking the bootcamp I'm currently attending - 'yes staff!!'
I knew he had been a bodyguard to Diane but it was interesting to read all the other stuff he has done.

[Ian Bennett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as meaty as I was expecting with 3 chapters of filler material. It was a quick read so I'm glad I only paid 1.99 for it. If you are looking for an in depth look at bodyguard as a profession, this is not really it but interesting enough to kill a few hours.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't know why the paperback edition is not showing up. I picked this up at the local library. It is an occupational memoir, providing insight into the life of a bodyguard and how he came to that role and after. He worked for the Al Fayeds (didn't actually work for Princess Di,) and only spent about 10 days with her when she was with Dodi in the south of France. But still interesting. I see the bodyguard who was in the car (Trevor) has also written a memoir. Some points of difference - whether the driver in the fatal accident was drunk or not, and whether Trevor was wearing a seatbelt or not. Reminded me of the memoir of a Canadian astronaut about always looking ahead, looking for problems and being prepared.

[Beth Pritchard · Rating 2 out of 5]

The stories Lee has to tell are admittedly great. However, I've never heard a more egotistical person. The final two chapters are (allegedly) written by his son and wife and they both describe him as modest. The rest of the book shows no sign of modesty.

I'm all for being proud of your achievements but always talking about how great you are or saying you were the best at xyz and is too much. Admit you have faults to be likable. Simple as.

[A.M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This guy has had such an interesting life but he cannot tell a story well.

2 stars

So far this year, my library saved me A$127.18

[Emma Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book very interesting insight of things. I'm unsure if what everything he says is true as noones that good at thier job 😆 but very interesting