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Meet Kate Middleton's new private secretary

Kate Middleton has given us all the biggest indication yet that she is ready to step up her royal duties, by hiring a high power private secretary.

Buckingham Palace announced in March that Kate’s long-serving private secretary, Rebecca Deacon, would be leaving her post to take up a consulting role elsewhere.

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And now it’s been revealed that Kate has headhunted the Chief Operating Officer from Oxford University’s Said Business School, Catherine Quinn.

Kate Middleton is getting a new right hand woman. Photo: Getty Images
Kate Middleton is getting a new right hand woman. Photo: Getty Images

Catherine will play an integral part in orchestrating the Duchess’s royal engagements and will essentially be her chief of staff and new right hand woman.

The job is reported to pay a hefty six-figure salary which is paid by Prince Charles’s Duchy of Cornwall private income.

Catherine also lists Chief Executive and Under Treasurer of Middle Temple on her CV, as well as a leader of the grant-giving operations of the Wellcome Trust.

Before that, she ran an Oxford-based consultancy firm and was also a Director of Research Serviced at the University of Oxford.

Catherine is also a trustee of London’s Children’s Ballet and is the governor of the Contemporary Dance Trust.

Catherine Quinn will join the staff at Buckingham Palace. Photo: Greg Funnell
Catherine Quinn will join the staff at Buckingham Palace. Photo: Greg Funnell

The news comes after it was revealed in a shocking statement that Rebecca Deacon would be leaving her role as Kate’s private secretary.

Rebecca, who left her role this summer, had been working for the royal family for the past decade and been by Kate’s side since 2012, managing everything from the Duchess’ diaries, to briefing her on the people she’s about to meet, and carrying the gifts she is given while on tour.

“(Rebecca) plans to leave the household in the summer,” (which is our winter) the palace said in a statement.

“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.”

It comes after Rebecca Deacon announced she would be leaving her post as Kate's private secretary in March. Photo: Getty Images
It comes after Rebecca Deacon announced she would be leaving her post as Kate's private secretary in March. Photo: Getty Images
Rebecca has been at Kate's side since 2012. Photo: Getty Images
Rebecca has been at Kate's side since 2012. Photo: Getty Images

The announcement came as Rebecca prepares to get married in Chapel Royal at St James’ Palace – the same place young Prince George was baptised.

Both Kate and the Queen gave her permission to use the venue, which is reserved exclusively for the royal family and their associates.

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