FORMER Royal bodyguard Tony Lawrenson was stunned when he heard reports that the Ritz security man driving Diana and Dodi, was three times over the limit.

Tony, of Blackpool Road, Preston, worked as part of the personal protection team to the Duke of Edinburgh.

He studied under the same top class officers at the Royal Military Training Centre as Diana's bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones, and knows from personal experience the level of professionalism required by the Royal entourage.

"I can't believe he would have allowed Diana to get in a car with a man who has been drinking," he said.

And he said how seriously the team take their work: "We were the top bodyguards for the Royals, SAS trained, you had to be the best." He added: "It's no joke, you are risking your life for these people."

Tony who is now 50, worked for the Royals for eight and a half years, travelling all over the world. His charges included various princes, Secretary General of Nato and all the Commanders-in-Chief.

At the time Charles and Diana got together, he had been promoted to team leader and trainer. He came into contact with her several times. "She was lovely," he said: "So glamorous and always beautifully presented."

Since retiring from Royal duties, Tony works behind the scenes in civic life as attendant to the Mayor of Preston.

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