Wednesday 25 May 2022 10:37 PM Prince Harry 'hires Michael Jackson's former bodyguard to head up his ... trends now
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly hired Michael Jackson's former bodyguard as the head of their security team as the Duke of Sussex was pictured with his new right-hand man on a bike ride in the California sun.
The Duke of Sussex left his wife Meghan, son Archie and daughter Lilibet at their £10million mansion and hit the road on a $1,499 (£1,080) electric bike followed by a security team in a 4x4 as he pedalled through Montecito.
Newly released pictures show Alberto Alvarez, 45, who testified at the 2011 trial into Michael Jackson's death and called 911 on the night the pop legend died in 2009, riding directly behind Harry earlier this week.
Alvarez, who has 15 years of experience in personal protection and event security, has also previously worked for boyband One Direction.
One security source told the Sun of the appointment: 'Alberto has worked with the biggest celebrities so knows every trick in the book of keeping them out of harm’s way.
'He is discreet and was extremely loyal to Michael. He and Harry seem like a good match and Harry hopes he’s the man to look after him and his family.'
Alvarez, who has worked out of the luxurious Beverly Hills, California since 2010, describes himself as having a 'track record of scoping, prioritizing, planning, and implementing appropriate safety/security measures to secure personnel and valuable assets across various environments', on his LinkedIn page.
Newly released pictures show Alberto Alvarez, 45, who testified at pop legend Michael Jackson's 2011 trial and called 911 on the night he died in 2009, riding directly behind Harry earlier this week
Mr Alvarez, (right) who has 15 years of experience in personal protection and event security, has also previously worked for boyband One Direction (pictured above with Louis Tomlinson at Glastonbury Festival in 2015)
The Duke of Sussex left his wife Meghan, son Archie and daughter Lilibet at their £10million mansion and hit the road on an expensive electric bike followed by a security team in a 4x4 as he pedalled through Montecito, California
It comes after an expert warned the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could 'destabilise' the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and cause resentment among other members of the Royal Family
Harry, wearing trainers, a hooded top, shorts, a baseball cap featuring the word 'California' and sunglasses, looked relaxed as he took to the streets on his bike alongside two members of his security teams.
The prince was seen whizzing along on his electric bike and he was not wearing a helmet - under Californian state law, only under-18s are required to wear one.
As he hit the road, 5,400 miles away in Britain Prince William was visiting the Royal Marsden Hospital in London where he met with doctors and praised 'brave and inspirational' cancer campaigner Deborah James.
Harry's appearance comes days before he is set to be reunited with his family for the first time in a year as he and Meghan Markle travel to the UK for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee next weekend.
It comes after an expert warned the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could 'destabilise' the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and cause resentment among other members of the Royal Family.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will receive widespread publicity when they arrive in the UK with their children Archie, three, and Lilibet, who turns one over the Platinum Jubilee weekend.
But Palace aides will do all they can to prevent a Sussex 'sideshow' overshadowing the Queen, 96, and the official celebrations, explained Camilla Tominey of the Daily Telegraph.
The attention the Sussexes receive could also cause resentment among members of the family like Sophie Wessex and Princess Anne who work 'day in, day out' but could be overlooked by the press and public.
Harry, wearing trainers, a hooded top, shorts, a baseball cap featuring the word 'California' and sunglasses, looked relaxed as he took to the streets on his bike alongside two members of his security teams
The Duke cycled ahead of his group a little before looking back to ensure the duo were still riding with him (left and right)
The prince was seen whizzing along on his electric bike and he was not wearing a helmet - under Californian state law, only under-18s are required to wear one
At one stage, the Duke casually dropped one hand from the handlebars of his bike as he casually cycled along the road
The royal was joined by two others on his cycle close to his Montecito mansion earlier today during the leisurely bike ride
At another stage, the Duke appeared frustrated, and put his hand up into the air as he waited at a stop sign on the road
The royal could be seen wearing shorts, a baseball cap and glasses as he rode around the neighbourhood on his electric bike
