When Ken Wharfe was hired back in 1986 to serve as Prince William’s protection officer, his first day on the job was nothing short of nerve-wracking. Picture this: pulling up to the grand gates of the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, where royalty resides. Ken recently opened up to Now to Love about the butterflies he felt meeting Princess Diana and her two young princes. Greeted in the White Room, he came face-to-face with a lively Diana, a 5-year-old William, and a mischievous 3-year-old Harry.
Ken Wharfe didn’t have to wait long for his nerves to settle. The scene before him was anything but formal. "William was trying his hand at the piano, and Harry was standing on a small coffee table, busily pulling lilies out of a vase," Ken recounted. Princess Diana, with her signature wit, greeted Ken by saying, "I don’t envy you looking after my two sons! They can be a ruddy nuisance!" It wasn’t long before William chimed in with a spirited, "We’re not a ruddy nuisance!" And just like that, Harry tumbled off the table, prompting Diana to call her sons over. Ken thought to himself, "This is going to be fun!"
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Ken’s experience with Princess Diana and her boys was unforgettable. Diana’s charm and humor weren’t just for the cameras; they were a part of her everyday life. Whether it was a lively family moment or a deep conversation about current affairs, Diana brought energy to every situation. Ken remembers those days fondly, saying, "It was a great period in history for me, working with a woman who truly changed the face of the monarchy. She was an incredibly fun person."
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Ken’s role expanded in 1987 when he became Diana’s personal bodyguard. It was a demanding job, but one he found rewarding. "She accepted the role we had, and there was a chemistry between us," Ken explained. "She was very forthcoming with her plans, which helped us ensure her safety. We worked as a team, and that’s what made it so effective." Diana’s approachable nature made it easy for her team to communicate openly, which was crucial in keeping her secure. "She acknowledged everyone’s importance in the palace, making everyone feel like they were part of her magic," Ken fondly remembered.
Princess Diana Was a Remarkable Leader
Diana wasn’t just a royal figure; she was a trailblazer. Her work ethic and dedication to her role were unmatched. Despite the challenges in her personal life, Diana maintained a vibrant personality that lit up every room she entered. Ken recalled, "Behind closed doors, she was just as lively and humorous as she appeared in public. It’s astonishing how she managed to keep that energy despite the difficulties in her own life." Diana’s passion for her work was evident in everything she did, from her engagements to her advocacy for various causes.
Her Social Life Was Vibrant
When she wasn’t working, Diana loved to socialize. "She was a great socialite who enjoyed speaking with everyone, from the palace staff to her closest friends," Ken said. "We’d often travel to Highgrove, and the conversations would range from current affairs to personal matters. She was genuinely interested in the world around her." Diana’s charm and warmth made her a favorite among her friends and colleagues. Ken added, "She had a knack for making everyone feel special, whether it was through a thoughtful birthday card or a generous gift."
Her Commitment to the Royal Family Was Unwavering
As a working royal, Diana took her responsibilities seriously. Her empathetic nature and dedication to the causes she championed set her apart. Ken noted, "Her popularity was both a blessing and a challenge for the royal family. While she craved acknowledgment for her hard work, it was something she rarely received." Despite the tensions within the royal family, Diana’s relationship with the Queen remained strong. "Her ultimate goal was to please and help the royal family," Ken emphasized. Even when her choices were controversial, such as her advocacy for AIDS awareness, Diana stood firm in her beliefs. "The Queen once asked her why she chose such a challenging cause, but Diana knew it was the right thing to do," Ken shared.
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Diana Let Her Boys Be Boys
Being a mother was Diana’s most cherished role. Ken had a front-row seat to William and Harry’s childhood, witnessing how Diana strived to raise them as normal as possible. "Diana insisted that the boys weren’t treated like royalty. They were free to roam the palace and interact with everyone," he said. "Harry, especially, was always up to something. I remember one evening when he decided to add food coloring to my bathwater. It was highly entertaining!" These moments of mischief and laughter were a testament to Diana’s parenting style, ensuring her boys had a childhood filled with joy and freedom.
Her Quest for Privacy
Living under constant scrutiny wasn’t easy for Diana, but Ken occasionally helped her find moments of solitude. "I once smuggled her to a secluded beach where she could walk alone," Ken revealed. "Everything was going well until she stumbled upon a nudist beach. The men there had no idea who she was, and it was quite the surprise for her!" These small escapes were crucial for Diana’s well-being, allowing her to recharge and reconnect with herself.
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This story was written by Bella Brennan and originally appeared on our sister site, Now to Love.
