In an exclusive revelation, David Roberts, the real-life bodyguard of the legendary Whitney Houston, reflects on his astounding six-year journey by her side, depicting a world that was both glamorous and perilous. During an interview from his Palm Beach home, the former police sergeant shared captivating insights into serving one of the most iconic singers of all time.

When he first received the call to protect Houston, Roberts wasn't overwhelmed with excitement. "I said, ‘Whitney Houston, who’s he?’,” he humorously recalled. Little did he know that this assignment would change his life forever and inspire the hit film "The Bodyguard," featuring Houston and Kevin Costner.

Roberts, hailing from a modest farming community in North Wales, found himself thrust into a global whirlwind, supporting someone whose fame was beyond comprehension. His military background as a member of the RAF Police and later as part of the Metropolitan Police equipped him for the challenges ahead, including navigating the complexities of celebrity life.

Their initial meeting in 1988 left a lasting impression on him; he described Houston as a "sophisticated, educated, and shy young lady," who maintained her radiant beauty even after a long transatlantic flight. He quickly grew fond of her, saying, “We got on famously from the get-go.”

As Houston’s bodyguard, Roberts didn't just provide security; he witnessed the intimate details of her life. From late-night phone calls with then-boyfriend Eddie Murphy to her struggles with fame and personal relationships—including her tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown—Roberts was privy to it all. “It’s remarkable to me it lasted as long as it did,” he reflected on their wedding. Just before the ceremony, security had predicted it would end in divorce, yet Houston surprised everyone by proving them wrong.

His protective instincts developed a special synergy with Houston, where a simple glance could communicate their needs on the job. He humorously recalled how he would check her into hotels using the alias "Rachel Marron," the name of her character in "The Bodyguard," but emphasized that their relationship was more like family than romance.

The demands of protecting a global superstar were daunting. Roberts recalled a Far East tour where he identified around 50 fans who posed as potential threats. He described one particularly unsettling encounter with an obsessive fan who sent disturbing messages and even claimed he would take Houston to meet her mother in heaven during a concert. Fortunately, this and other threats were deftly mitigated, ensuring Houston’s safety during performances.

As he witnessed Whitney's struggles, Roberts lamented the toll that fame took not only on her but also on himself. His relationships suffered as his commitment absorbed his life. “You’d have to ask any of my three wives,” he stated enigmatically when discussing the personal sacrifices required by his job.

Tragically, the end of their professional relationship came in 1995, coinciding with a noticeable decline in Houston's well-being. Roberts sensed a disturbing pattern, although he never witnessed drug use firsthand. He was concerned for her health, recognizing the destructive pressures from an industry that prioritizes profits over personal well-being. "She needed help that was complicated by her fame," he said ruefully.

Houston’s later death in 2012 at the age of 48 was a devastating shock for Roberts. He described his grief and anger, emphasizing that her passing was an injustice that didn’t have to happen. “It hurt. It was dreadful... it shouldn’t have been,” he lamented.

Houston's legacy continued to be shaped by the tragic fate of her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, who died tragically in 2015. Roberts recounted memories of watching Bobbi grow up, highlighting the deep bond that existed between mother and daughter. “The only solace you get from the entire affair is believing they are reconciled in a place where nobody can hurt them anymore,” he reflected.

Motivated by the need to process his grief and anger, Roberts penned a memoir entitled “Whitney: The Memoir of Her Bodyguard.” In it, he critiques the entertainment industry’s unrealistic demands on youthful talents, exposing the grim realities beneath the sparkling facade of fame. "You become part of a money-making machine, and that's precisely what she was," he explained.

As a testament to the price of fame, David Roberts' story is a poignant reminder of the hidden struggles behind celebrity lives and the profound impacts of public scrutiny.