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The Duchess of Cambridge has appointed a new private secretary, Catherine Quinn, who is poised to take over the role from recently married Rebecca Priestley, née Deacon, in October.
Kate’s new “Girl Friday,” as the role is often dubbed, boasts a seriously impressive track record, currently holding the position of chief operating officer and associate dean for administration at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.
She is also a board member of the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Met Office and Royal British Legion and previously held leadership roles at Middle Temple and the Wellcome Trust.
Now, as part of the royal fold, Catherine’s duties will include running the duchess’s official programme, coordinating her charitable interests, travelling on royal tours and holding the many — many — gifts, flowers and cards proffered by members of the public at events such as walkabouts.
And if we let our imaginations run wild… perhaps the role also includes helping the much-loved royal pick out which tiara to wear.
While touring Germany and Poland last month, Kate certainly needed her right-hand woman!
The news follows the resignation of Kate’s current private secretary in March.
Kensington Palace confirmed the news in a statement, saying: “After a decade of service to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, Rebecca Deacon will be stepping down as private secretary to the Duchess of Cambridge. She plans to leave the household in the summer.”
“Their Royal Highnesses are incredibly grateful for all the hard work and support Rebecca has provided over the past ten years, and wish her well in the next phase of her career.”
Over the years, Rebecca, who graduated with an English degree at Newcastle University, had become known as “the woman behind the Duchess.”
Duchess Catherine and her current “Girl Friday,” Rebecca, in action.
Rebecca has become known as “the woman behind the Duchess.”
Catherine’s appointment is one of several changes to the royal households this year.
Queen Elizabeth II recently picked her next equerry, one of the most important positions in the royal household.
According to The Sunday Times, the position has been filled by Ghanian-born Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah. The army officer, who moved to Britain from Ghana with his parents in 1982, will be the Royal family’s first ever black equerry.
As an equerry, the Afghanistan war veteran will act as the monarch’s support system and a most discreet confidante. For perspective, Peter Townsend — a prominent character in the Netflix series The Crown — was King George VI’s equerry. He became famously close to the Windsors, even dating Princess Margaret.
WATCH: Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah discusses taking part in the Trooping the Colour. Post continues…
The Major, known as ‘TA’ to his friends, is certainly up for the important job, having studied at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the same prestigious school Prince Harry and Prince William attended. He also played a part in Prince William and Duchess Kate’s wedding in 2011, acting as escort commander.
And, of course, Prince Philip, 96, will soon conduct his final engagement — marking the end of his public duties.
The beloved royal, who happens to be the oldest-ever male member of the British royal family, announced his retirement in May.
There’s no doubt about it, change is afoot! We can’t wait to see what’s next for everybody’s favourite royal family.
WATCH: Prince Philip is considered one of the hardest-working royals.
