Duchess Of Cambridge Hires Catherine Quinn As New Private Secretary

The Duchess of Cambridge has taken steps to change up her public profile, after hiring a brand new private secretary, following theresignation of her current secretary Rebecca Deacon.

Catherine has hired business head Catherine Quinn, and she's undeniably a marked change from her previous secretary, who guided her through the early years of royal life. The new lady in the role has an MBA from Oxford University's Said Business School, and various other degrees from US and UK universities.Quinn is also currently chief operating officer at the Business School, and will take up the post from October.

In a statement, Kensington Palace said, "Catherine is a member of the Boards of the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Met Office, and the Royal British Legion.

"She has an MBA from Oxford University's Saïd Business School and degrees from US and UK universities."

It's likely that Quinn will win herself a six-figure salary for her new role within the royal family, which will reportedly be paid by Prince Charles, out of his own private money that he's collected from his business, the Duchy of Cornwall.

The move to hire a high-profile, business-forward secretary is considered to be a significant step for Catherine and William, as they step up to the roles of full-time royals following Prince William's resignations from the air ambulance force last week.

A source told the Daily Mail, "This is a significant appointment and signifies what many see as the 'professionalising' of William and Kate's private office as they embrace a more high profile royal role."

(Catherine and Rebecca Deacon, Catherine's former private secretary)

Rebecca Deacon held the role of Catherine's trusted right-hand lady for over six years, after being hired for the role following the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding back in 2011. Rebecca has been a much trusted member of the royal's inner circle for years.

The announcement from the Palace also follows news that the Queen will soon be needing to hire a brand new private secretary of her own, after her former private sec Sir Christopher Geidt resigned in what was considered a shock announcement.

It's thought that his resignation from the royal household is the first of many from palace staff members, as the household as a whole prepares for a slowing down of duties from senior royals and a stepping up of duties from the younger royals.