Royal Family News: Why Are Princess Kate’s Private Secretaries Quitting?
Royal Family News: Why Are Princess Kate’s Private Secretaries Quitting?
The first job mentioned, private secretaries, is considered a plum job as they can be considered a fly on the wall, privy to some amazing backstage scenes.
And yet, Princess Catherine has been through two secretaries in just five years. The Princess of Wales has employed Catherine Quinn, and Hannah Cockburn-Logie, and the rumor is floating that the latter’s replacement, Alison Corfield, “has rejected the job offer.”
\Uh oh. We hope this is not another Meghan Markle diva moment in the making for Kate. Let’s find out exactly what a private secretary does!
Despite the old-fashioned title, a private secretary to a senior royal is a multi-faceted job. First of all the private secretary must be “incredibly well-educated and experienced.” Catherine Quinn went to Oxford and Hannah Cockburn-Logie was a former diplomat with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Secondly, Princess Catherine’s role is similar to that of a CEO, and her secretary must avoid scheduling conflicts, be skilled at timekeeping, manage multiple projects at once, and beorganized–the consequences of not being on the ball could lead to embarrassing public moments for the Princess of Wales.
Princess Catherine’s former employees speak about her with respect because she is a doll to work with but also because compunction is expected. Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton gave the perfect description of Kate to People in October 2022: “
She is a matriarch. Not in the sense of an older woman in a twin set and pearls, but she guides the family and advises [William] when he wants it. She will [be the Princess of Wales] with humility and by acknowledging the past but in her own way.” Perfect tone and words, unlike some former senior royals, Harry and Meghan looking at you.
Speaking of uncouth royals who bring scandal to the clan, none of Catherine’s secretaries has been involved in a headline fiasco.
This is because they are carefully screened and vetted but it’s also true that you can pick your friends (and secretaries) but you can’t pick your family.
The outlet notes that last year alone Kate attended nearly 100 official royal engagements. During these events Princess Catherine’s private secretary is at her side as she meets and greets well-wishers.
The secretary is tasked with carrying any gifts, flowers or cards given to Kate and the secretary always gives her a list of who she will talk to at an event so that she is prepared to properly greet them.
Being a private secretary sounds like an awesome but exhausting job. If you think you’re up to the task, rumor has it that Kate may be interviewing!
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