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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to lose fourth palace aide

Olivia Morris
·Contributor
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly set to lose their fourth royal aide in six months. Source: Getty
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly set to lose their fourth royal aide in six months. Source: Getty

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to lose a fourth royal aide next month.

Amy Pickerill, who was appointed assistant private secretary for Meghan Markle in January last year, has reportedly resigned from her post.

Amy Pickerill departs from Kensington Palace

“Amy is leaving after the arrival of the baby,” a Kensington Palace source told Harper’s Bazaar.

While the 37-year-old is reportedly “sad to see her go”, she is also “excited for her” as Amy is set to move overseas.

“Amy had originally planned on staying until at least the end of the year, but with the baby coming it makes sense to help recruit someone now who can pick up when The Duchess returns to her official work,” the source added.

Amy Pickerill, assistant private secretary to Meghan, is reportedly set to depart from the royal household next month. Source: Getty
Amy Pickerill, assistant private secretary to Meghan, is reportedly set to depart from the royal household next month. Source: Getty

Meanwhile a royal insider told People, Amy is leaving on “very amicable” terms.

“They will stay in touch and Amy will remain as a personal adviser to her in the longer term,” the source said. “They are very close.”

Three other key royal aides resigned

News of the resignation comes after Harry and Meghan lost three palace aides within six months of the royal wedding in May last year.

Meghan’s personal assistant, Melissa, resigned towards the end of 2018 with a source confirming to the Daily Mail, it was a “real shock”.

Kensington Palace declined to comment on the reports, but an insider did pay tribute to the PA.

“Melissa is a hugely talented person,” the source says. “She played a pivotal role in the success of the Royal Wedding and will be missed by everyone in the Royal Household.”

The Duchess of Sussex’s personal secretary, Samantha Cohen, also made the decision to leave the royal household in December last year, The Times previously reported.

Australian, Samantha Cohen, who has worked for the family for 17 years, apparently handed in her resignation, just weeks after Meghan’s personal assistant, known as Melissa, quit. Photo: Getty Images
Australian, Samantha Cohen, who has worked for the family for 17 years, apparently handed in her resignation, just weeks after Meghan’s personal assistant, known as Melissa, quit. Photo: Getty Images

Aussie born Samantha, who worked for the royal family for 17 years, used to work closely with the Queen and is said to have been one of her ‘most trusted’ aides.

Samantha was reportedly tasked with teaching the new Duchess all about royal etiquette.

These two resignations follow on from that of Edward Lane Fox who was essentially Harry’s “right-hand man,” before his departure in April last year after 15 years in the role.

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