Ryan Barby, a former Airborne soldier and Afghanistan veteran, has shared his perspective on the different challenges of protecting celebrities and supporting the Royal Family’s security staff at significant events. Barby joined the army at the age of sixteen and has been tasked with protecting well-known figures such as Stormzy, Louis Tomlinson of One Direction, and the late Liam Payne. In an interview with Mirror UK, he disclosed that his work for the royal family—from Queen Elizabeth II’s state burial to her Platinum Jubilee—was a completely other ballgame.
Barby clarified, “High-profile jobs demand you stay alert 24/7,” highlighting the strain of being constantly watched by the world’s media. A simple slip, such as being caught on a phone or losing concentration, would lead to dismissal from the task at hand. Among other jobs, Nottingham native also served the American Secret Service when President Joe Biden was in Edinburgh. When the then Prince Charles honoured him with a military medal for his services while working during Operation Herrick in Afghanistan in 2008, it was the first royal encounter for him.
Discussing his involvement with the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on 19 September 2022, Barby referred to it as “intense but educational”. “It was a unique role assisting many world leaders and their security teams. Watching different tactics employed by different countries is fascinating,” he said. Of course, he would never go into operational detail, but that experience had value and lessons from elite security. Identifying and resolving possible threats was Barby’s primary responsibility as a member of the reaction team during the Queen’s Jubilee, a huge event that drew over a million people.
Beyond obligation, Barby finds personal meaning in his profession. His commitment was demonstrated by his arduous shifts throughout these events, which frequently lasted five nights and at least twelve hours each. “Her Majesty earned immense respect worldwide, and it was evident that day she would be deeply missed,” he stated. His greatest accomplishment, though, is knowing that his work serves as a model for his kids. “No matter how tough it gets, I push through for them,” he said.
