Kate Middleton Receiving Training from SAS to Protect Against Kidnapping Threats
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, has been undergoing top secret training to protect her from the threat of kidnapping, a recent report has indicated.
The training Middleton has been undergoing was lead by members of the British SAS, Scotland Yard's personal protection squad, or by M15 intelligence officers.
The location of the training has been undisclosed.
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Kate's new status as the Duchess of Cambridge, following her widely publicized Westminster Abbey royal wedding to Prince William, has placed her under a media microscope that has risen her potential to become a target for kidnappers, terrorists, and stalkers.
The Sun reported that, "The Palace wants to ensure Kate's new status doesn't make her vulnerable to attack."
The training she is undergoing will enable her to respond if she ever did face a kidnapping or attack.
The training is described as "very tough physically and mentally."
The intense training requires that Kate learn several survival skills including how to react to a kidnapping, how to build a relationship in a hostage situation, how to drive under pressure, and how to create and pass coded messages.
The training further emphasizes coping mechanisms for physical and mental survival under high-intensity and dangerous situations.
Fears for Kate's safety are not unfounded as Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth, was shot at by someone in 1974. She was not hurt, but the attacker, Ian Ball, had planned to kidnap her and hold her for a ransom of 3 million British pounds.
Other members of the royal family have received the same training, including Prince William who underwent the training at age 16 and was taught how to fire a machine gun and how to react in an ambush.
Although Kate has been with William since 2001, she has only started to receive the SAS training now due to the royal wedding and royal duties that have catapulted her into the spotlight.
