PRINCESS Diana’s former protection officer is set to share tales of his career at a charity talk.
Colin Tebbutt is due to speak via Zoom on August 6, sharing memories and stories from his time working for the royal family in aid of the Sussex Snowdrop Trust.
The Sussex Snowdrop Trust fundraising, marketing and events manager Lucy Ashworth said the talk will include discussions about Mr Tebbutt’s life as the Princess of Wales’s protection officer, as well as his career working across numerous royal households.
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Mr Tebbutt began his career when he was assigned to work with Princess Anne at Gatcombe Park, before moving on to work with other members of the Royal family, including the Queen’s cousin, Princess Alexandra and Sarah Duchess of York.
While working for Princess Diana, Mr Tebbutt was called to fly out to the Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital in Paris in the middle of the night, having been given the news his employer had been involved in a car accident.
Mr Tebbutt said the tragic event will stay with him forever.
Lucy Ashworth said Colin has previously been asked to share his memories of that day on television and radio by networks across the world and will relive the experience on August 8.
“Colin talks openly and with great pride of working with the Royal households,” she said.
“Colin has appeared in documentaries for American News Channel CNN, ITV, BBC radio, and given interviews to many national publications.
"As a charity, we have benefitted over the years when he shared stories with TV and the press, as his fees have always been donated to The Sussex Snowdrop Trust.”
In 2018, Mr Tebbutt gave an insight into his work during a live audience speech at Arundel Castle.
Di Levantine, co-founder and chairman of the trust, said having known Mr Tebbutt for many years, she has enjoyed his tales about the royal family.
“With more and more people using Zoom to attend talks, we thought it would be a great opportunity to reach a wider audience with Colin’s fascinating insight into the Royal household,” she said.
“To be able to relax, watch and listen to a live talk, in the comfort of your own home, will be a real treat. This year has also been challenging in terms of fundraising, so we dearly hope that people will ‘attend’ and contribute to much needed funds for the charity.”
The Sussex Snowdrop Trust provides vital nursing care at home for children who have a life threatening or terminal illness.
“Our nurses and counsellors have continued throughout the pandemic ensuring our Snowdrop families have been supported during this very anxious time,” Di Levantine added.
Tickets to the talk are £5, with more information available on The Sussex Snowdrop Trust website.
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