Royals seeking bodyguard to protect Meghan Markle would ‘prefer female’ like Kate Middleton’s

ROYAL officials are seeking a highly-skilled female bodyguard to shadow Meghan Markle.

The recruit would join a team employed to protect Prince Harry and his fiancée.

Harry, 33, is thought to be among royals who would prefer Meghan, 36, to have a female guard — like her future sister-in-law Kate.

A source revealed: “Those in charge of security are hunting for an appropriate person.”

The Duchess of Cambridge, 35, was assigned a female police bodyguard, Sergeant Emma Probert, after she became engaged to Prince William in 2010.

Emma, 45 — a member of Scotland Yard’s Protection Squad — is trained in martial arts. She carries a 9mm Glock pistol and a Taser stun gun at all times.

The arrangement was said to have been suggested by Prince Charles.

It is thought Meghan’s bodyguard will start work with Sgt Probert.

The source continued: “Kate has grown very close to Emma over the years.

“They hit it off from the start and have gone on to build up a great relationship.

“So it is expected that a new female bodyguard would learn the necessary ropes with Emma first.

“It would be a trial period to make sure she is the right woman for the job.

“And if so, she would then be transferred to Meghan and Harry’s team.

“The difficulty the team face is there are far fewer female bodyguards available with the necessary skill-set than male bodyguards.

“But they are confident they can find someone to fit the bill.”

It is believed the new recruit would be the fourth female protection officer to be hired to guard the royal family.

The first was said to have been employed to protect Princess Diana and the second guarded Prince Edward.

A spokesman for Kensington Palace declined to comment last night.

Scotland Yard said: “We never comment on personal security.”