Duchess Meghan’s bodyguard quits after less than a year

Meghan Markle's bodyguard has quit after less than a year, becoming the third person to leave her staff.

The female bodyguard, who is not being named for security reasons, has been working with Prince Harry's pregnant wife for six months and accompanied the royal couple on their tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga in October, The Sunday Times reported.

The Scotland Yard inspector's departure follows the resignations of Meghan's personal assistant, Melissa Touabti, who left Kensington Palace after six months, and Harry and Meghan's private secretary, Samantha Cohen, who is set to leave this year after working for the royal family for 17 years.

"The bodyguard is leaving Scotland Yard entirely, not just her role as PPO [personal protection officer]," a source tells Us Weekly. "The decision to leave was personal and no reflection on her time working with Meghan, who she liked working with. She will be missed."

The bodyguard replaced Harry's long-term head of security, Sergeant Bill Renshaw, who retired last year after 31 years with the police, according to The Sunday Times, and her appointment to lead the security team as Meghan and Harry's chief protection officer was considered a huge step forward for women.

Scotland Yard's Royalty and Specialist Protection branch may try to appoint another female to replace her, according to the newspaper.