The King’s security chief has been honoured with a special send-off celebration after retiring from the royal family’s service following the US state visit

ing Charles has bid farewell to his mysterious bodyguard with a quiet send-off. A month after his final duty, the security chief, whose name has now been revealed to be Jag, celebrated completing his years of service to the royal family with a special soirée on Wednesday evening in central London.

James Eden, founder of Private White V.C and who was in attendance last night, offered his congratulations to the bodyguard, whom he praised as an “absolute hero”.

“Last night I was honoured to be invited to Chelsea Barracks for a soirée celebrating the retirement of my good friend Jag, King Charles’ personal Head of Security for many years and, for those who know him, simply one of the finest people you will ever meet,” he wrote. “Jag and his lovely wife Nikki first came to us a few years ago,” he said, adding they “hit it off straight away and have been pals ever since.”

He continued: “Without question one of the most photogenic and stylish men I have ever met. Over the years I have loved seeing him photographed wearing Private White V.C in every corner of the globe.” The entrepreneur said he considered the bodyguard to be an “absolute hero to my children”.

“Jag, congratulations on an extraordinary career. The best is still to come.”

Years of service

The bodyguard provided security to the King at major events, including Charles’ Coronation and Royal Ascot. While it is unclear when he started his position, the bodyguard has gained attention online, having been compared to a real-life ‘Kingsman’ for his suited attire, dapper facial hair and umbrella in hand.

The Times revealed last month that the King’s security chief had stepped down from Charles’ service. He parted ways with the royal couple after completing his final duty on their state visit to the US, which took place from 27 to 30 April.

According to the outlet, it is understood that the royal couple asked the bodyguard to continue to work with the royal household in the future.

You may also like

Final duty

The bodyguard, who the palace never officially named, joined the King and Queen in the US earlier this year. Following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on 25 April, the historic state visit went ahead with heavy security.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the royal couple would still be travelling to the US after the state visit was shrouded with uncertainty. “Following discussions on both sides of the Atlantic through the day, and acting on advice of Government, we can confirm the State Visit by Their Majesties will proceed as planned,” the statement read.

© Getty Images
Charles’ bodyguard joined him at an event at Harlem Grown on 29 April during the US state visit

“The King and Queen are most grateful to all those who have worked at pace to ensure this remains the case and are looking forward to the Visit getting underway tomorrow,” it continued.

Charles’ mysterious bodyguard was pictured close by the royal couple’s side throughout the state visit, including at the welcome garden part on the first day of the four-day visit.