The 24-hour armed squad for new royal

MEGHAN Markle was given 24hour police protection from the moment her engagement to Prince Harry was made public at the end of last year.

She is guarded by at least two members of SO14, Scotland Yard’s royalty and diplomatic protection team, whenever she leaves Kensington Palace.

One stays by her side as her close-protection officer, while others act as back-up, discreetly scouting out venues before she enters, and driving her car. All are armed with 9mm Glock pistols and Tasers.

Miss Markle is not thought to have a team of her own. Instead, officers are seconded from Harry’s security team.

But the Duchess of Cambridge has a long-standing bodyguard, Emma Probert, and Harry is known to want a dedicated female officer for his fiancee.