Harry and William together in grief over the loss of someone close to their mother Diana who protected them

Lee Sansum, the former royal bodyguard best known for his role in protecting Princess Diana and her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, has died suddenly at the age of 63.

His ing, caused by a heart attack at his home, was confirmed by his wife, Kate Sansum, in a heartfelt tribute shared on Facebook.

Kate ed her husband as her "soul mate" and "hero," sharing a series of personal photos and reflecting on the profound impact he had on their lives and beyond.

"His huge presence will be missed around the world," she wrote.

"His capacity for love, and the life skills he has shared have left a legacy that will never be lost."

Sansum's unexpected death has left a deep void among those who knew him, especially those who followed his life's work in security, service, and personal sacrifice.

From Saint-Tropez to Hollywood: A Life of Loyalty and Duty

A former Royal Military Police officer, Lee Sansum first came into the public spotlight in 1997 when he was assigned to protect Diana and her two young sons during their summer holiday in Saint-Tropez. At the time, he was working as part of Mohamed Al-Fayed's security team, just weeks before Diana and her partner Dodi Al-Fayed were tragically killed in a car crash in Paris.

Sansum detailed this pivotal period in his 2022 memoir, The Bodyguard, where he shared intimate insights into Diana's private world. He described her as deeply kind and emotionally open, recalling how she once cried on his shoulder following the shocking murder of her friend Gianni Versace. He also revealed Diana often expressed fear for her safety during quiet morning conversations at Al-Fayed's villa.

In lighter memories, Sansum wrote about his attempts to teach the princes kickboxing-though they were hesitant-and how he helped a young Prince Harry ride a jet ski, even encouraging him to splash waiting paparazzi. In appreciation, Diana wrote Sansum a personal letter, thanking him for what she called a "magical ten days."

Known affectionately as "Rambo" by Diana due to his martial arts prowess-he held black belts in karate, jujitsu, and kickboxing-Sansum's career extended well beyond royal circles. He provided protection to global celebrities like Sylvester Stallone, Nicole Kidman, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Tom Cruise. In 2014, he also served as a bodyguard to then-Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond.

Born in Burnley, Lancashire, Sansum began his career during Northern Ireland's Troubles, working in witness protection. After leaving the military, he became a respected civilian bodyguard, earning a reputation for loyalty, discipline, and discretion.

Reflecting on Diana's death, Sansum once revealed that he might have been in the car with her that night in Paris, had a draw of straws gone differently. He insisted Diana could have survived had seatbelts been worn-something he was known to enforce strictly.

Lee Sansum's legacy as a devoted protector, comionate confidant, and quiet force behind the scenes will be ed by many.