The close protection officer (CPO) was commissioned to support members of a royal family during their honeymoon. The clients required discreet protection to manage their movements in several locations before, during and after the trip, including Riyadh, Tokyo, the Maldives and Seychelles. The CPO provided a secure environment for the clients throughout their travel arrangements and created a local Emergency Action Plan while working in conjunction with the honeymoon corporation. Integral to the operation was the need to provide the clients with privacy while maintaining a constantly high level of security and protection.
The CPO led a team and management briefing ahead of the clients’ arrival and liaised with the CEO of the honeymoon corporation regarding the proposed itinerary, including conducting reconnaissance of accommodation, escape routes and medical facilities. The CPO collected and transported the clients on arrival and facilitated introductions with an Ambassador and various local guides.
Alongside protective duties, the CPO organised trips and activities for the clients, including travel by various means such as bullet train, riverboat, luxury vehicle, seaplane and helicopter. Activities involved preparing for and attending a traditional wedding ceremony and assessing suitable leisure venues to be utilised.
The CPO rearranged the itinerary at the clients’ request where necessary, having envisaged the need for flexibility in the plans. Movement between accommodation and relocation of clients was managed by conducting full security surveys and risk assessments in each venue, taking account of the large-scale logistical moves. No detail was overlooked, with the CPO accounting for and securing luggage transfer and managing the handover of the clients at the close of the trip to their local security teams.
The excellent working relationships forged with the clients were essential to the success of the trip, together with good communication, forward planning and the logical approach employed by the CPO.