Overview

• Lee Sansum, who protected Princess Diana and her sons during their 1997 holiday in St Tropez, died of a sudden heart attack at home on May 17, 2025, as announced by his wife Kate Sansum.
• Nicknamed 'Rambo' by Diana, Sansum's career included safeguarding high-profile figures like Alex Salmond, Sylvester Stallone, and Tom Cruise, as well as working in global conflict zones.
• Sansum disclosed in 2018 that he battled PTSD stemming from his military service and close protection duties, advocating for better mental health support for veterans and security professionals.
• He attributed Princess Diana's tragic death partly to the lack of seatbelt use, a protocol he strictly enforced during his protection assignments, and reflected on narrowly avoiding being in the fatal crash himself.
• Tributes have highlighted his legacy in the security industry and his personal impact, with his wife describing him as her 'soul mate' and a man whose life skills and love left an enduring mark.