Duchess Of Cambridge's Right-Hand Woman Steps Down

It's been announced that the Duchess of Cambridge's right-hand woman, Rebecca Deacon, will leave her post in the summer.

Rebecca has been Catherine's private secretary since 2012, but has actually served for 10 years alongside the royal family, previously working for Prince Harry's charity Sentebale.

A spokesperson for Kensington Palace announced "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."

And Catherine is sure to be feeling a little sad about the news, given the close relationships the royals form with their private secretaries. Rebecca is responsible for managing Catherine's day to day diary, organising and co-ordinating official engagements, such as charity visits and media events - and briefing Catherine on who she meeting.

Rebecca is also often seen carrying the flowers and gifts the Duchess receives at public engagements, and is generally there to assist with whatever Catherine may need.

The news follow rumours that Rebecca is set to marry fiance Adam Priestley at the famous royal church Chapel Royal at St James's Palace later this month. A venue reserved for royals and those with close ties to the royals only, Rebecca has apparently been granted permission given her direct links to the younger members of the family. It's also been reported that Prince William and Catherine will be guests at the ceremony.

Rebecca had previously been involved in a sticky love triangle at the palace only a year ago, when the Duchess' senior media adviser Nick Loughran quit his position in June 2016, following rumours that he had dumped Rebecca for Prince Harry's assistant, Clara Madden.

So who might replace Rebecca as Catherine's new right-hand woman? Royal Central suggest that a lady called Sophie Agnew could well be a logical choice. She currently assists Rebecca, and is trusted to step in when she's absent at official engagements. Sophie also co-ordinated the Cambridge's Canadian Royal back in 2015 as Tour Secretary - so it's clear the couple value her.