Heartbreak as Princess Diana's bodyguard dies

's former bodyguard Lee Sansum has died, his family has announced. The former royal military police officer protected Diana for years, including during a family holiday to the French resort of Saint Tropez about a month before her death in August 1997.

Lee's wife, Kate Sansum, took to Facebook to announce that he had suffered a fatal heart attack on Saturday morning.

She wrote: "Since meeting in 1998 Lee Sansum has been my soul mate, hero and most amazing man in my world. So I'm devastated to share that he is no longer with us. He had a fatal heart attack on Saturday morning at home.

"His huge presence will be missed around the world as much as it is in our household although his capacity for love, and the life skills he has shared have left a legacy that will never be lost."

The ex-Royal Military Policeman worked for the late royal and protected her, Prince William and Prince Harry on numerous occasions throughout his time in royal service.

He was also assigned to look after Mohamed Al-Fayed's son, Dodi, when they holidayed on the Harrods boss' superyacht a month before they died.

She later wrote to thank him for "taking such good care of us" during their holiday in Saint Tropez, where her sons Prince William and Prince Harry joined them.

"We all had a magical 10 days," she wrote. "Which would not have been possible without your invaluable contribution and for that, we all send our warmest possible thanks."

While working as a professional speaker, Lee revealed that it was only by pure chance that he was not in the car the same night the Princess died.

He had fond memories of the late Princess, describing her as an "amazing woman", and adding: "She cared a great deal. She never said a bad word about anyone."

Some of Lee's other high-profile public figures he protected included Tom Cruise, Sylvester Stallone, Nicole Kidman and Alex Salmond.

He started his career serving as a military police officer in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, before working as a civilian bodyguard.

As well as working as a police officer, Lee played a key role in live hostile evacuations in Libya, during their 2014 Civil War and was also a martial arts champion.

Lee wrote two books during his lifetime: Protecting Diana: A Bodyguard's Story and The Bodyguard.