King Charles’ bodyguards have sparked a buzz on social media, with many speculating that they might be wearing ‘fake hands’.

Over the years, rumours have swirled about bodyguards using fake hands and arms to discreetly conceal weapons like an FN-P90 rifle under their coats, ready for action if needed.

Now, a TikTok has gone viral of King Charles on a visit to Cornwall with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.

King Charles led Sir Keir Starmer on a tour of his eco-friendly, sustainable housing project, but it wasn’t the duo that grabbed viewers’ attention in the video.

It was the king’s bodyguard and his unusual hand position, that got people talking. The bodyguard held his hands in-front of his body in a very still position, which prompted people to believe that his hands weren’t real.

However, previously a security expert of 30 years debunked myth of the use of fake arms in security.

Will Geddes, one of the world’s leading specialists in counterterrorism, kidnapping, direct action groups, personal security, and close protection services, explained why the decoy arms are not used for the Royal Family.

Speaking to the Metro, Will revealed that while this tactic might be used in the US, it wouldn’t be employed by guards in the UK.

He said: "They definitely aren’t fake hands; I can understand why some people might have thought they were because of what looks like an incredibly tight grip but they definitely aren’t.

“It isn’t a tactic that is used at all in the UK, there might be all sorts of other tricks and stunts that security officers use to make sure high-profile individuals are kept safe, but this wouldn’t be one of them.”

He explained that while close protection officers in the US tend to be more quick to react, making such a theory believable there, the risk level in the UK makes it highly unlikely.

  • davesmith@feddit.uk
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    1 day ago

    Oh well if Will Geddes says “there might be all sorts of tricks and stunts … but this wouldn’t be one of them” then I guess that’s the truth sorted out.