Thatcher actually motherly to staff

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LONDON, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- A former bodyguard for former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher says the "Iron Lady" had a motherly side.

Thatcher is known for putting politics before her personal life, but a biography written by her bodyguard of 20 years sheds light on a caring, motherly side hidden from the general public, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Special Branch detective Barry Strevens said he was originally unhappy when he learned he would be protecting Thatcher, but was later "taken aback" by her "motherly" concern.

The former prime minister cleaned dirt from her bodyguard's shoes and put up Christmas decorations to make staff feel at home, Strevens said.

On Christmas, Thatcher left Strevens a tin of biscuits, a flask of hot coffee and a miniature bottle of whisky.

"On the mantelpiece was a Christmas card with a message inside thanking me for 'all that you do,'" Strevens said. "It was at that moment I knew I would stand in the way of a bullet for Margaret Thatcher without hesitation."