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Prince & Princess of WalesThe Sussexes

William and Kate appoint new press spokesman

<![CDATA[The current Director of Corporate Affairs for the Royal Bank of Scotland, Jason Knauf, is to become the new Communications Secretary to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry in the New Year.
Mr Knauf has had a varied career within Media Communications including positions at HM Treasury and multiple offices for the Government of New Zealand.
Knauf joined the New Zealand Government in November 2004 as a Media Assistant within the Office of the Minister for Social Development, advising the Hon. Steve Maharey.
A year later, he became a Press Secretary in the Office of the Minister for Health and was then brought in as a Communications Advisor to the-then New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clark in December 2006.
After a year as a Press Secretary and Speechwriter for New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Knauf moved to London where he became a Senior Press Officer and Head of the Financial Services Desk at Her Majesty's Treasury.
Mr Knauf joined the Royal Bank of Scotland group in April 2010 as the Head of Group Media Relations.
His crisis management skills were put to the test in 2012 when it emerged that the-then Chief Executive, Stephen Hester, had been offered a bonus payment of £963,000. After significant pressure by politicians and the public, Hester turned down the bonus.
Knauf became Head of Media, Brand and Digital Communications in July 2013 and was appointed as Director of Corporate Affairs for RBS in May this year, with responsibility for "embedding the bank’s new customer-focused strategy across its external communications."
He will take up his new role as Communications Secretary to Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry in the New Year.
His appointment came as the Cambridges' and Prince Harry's former Communications Secretary, Dr Ed Perkins, left for a change of career at the end of October.
Perkins, who was the gentleman who handed over the announcement notice of Prince George's birth to be taken to Buckingham Palace, has worked at Kensington Palace since December 2012. Prior to his appointment, he was the Deputy Press Secretary to The Queen; a position he held for five years, hailing originally from ITN where he was a Senior Editor.
A young team is at the helm of Kensington Palace operations, with William, Catherine and Harry having a penchant for appointing those within their 30s. Perkins's deputy, Nick Loughran, had been seen as a favourite for the top position.
Mr Knauf will join the Royal Household at a busy time, particularly for The Duke and Duchess as they prepare for their second child, which is due in April 2015. His arrival will bring the Kensington Palace press office back up to four members, including himself, Deputy Communications Secretary Nick Loughran, one Communications Officer and a Press Office PA who make up the Cambridges' press team.
Featured Image Credit: UGArdener via photopin cc]]>

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