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Prince & Princess of Wales

Rebecca Deacon, former private secretary to the Duchess of Cambridge to be given Royal Victoria Order

Last year, Royal Central broke the news that the Duchess of Cambridge’s private secretary would be stepping down from her role.

A spokesperson for Kensington Palace confirmed: “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”.

Rebecca Priestley, née Deacon, left her position after marrying Adam Priestley at St James Place at the Chapel Royal when Her Majesty granted her permission to do so. The Duchess of Cambridge was a guest at the wedding.

The chapel is exclusive to the royal family and those in connection with it. In 2013 the Duchess of Cambridge’s eldest child, Prince George, was christened in the chapel.

Now that Rebecca has officially left her role, having been succeeded by Catherine Quinn, she will be given the Royal Victorian Order next week on 11 October at an investiture ceremony held at Buckingham Palace.

Rebecca at a Royal Garden Party, May 2017. Image (c) Laura McCallen, Royal Central’s Chief Reporter

The honour recognises those who provided ‘distinguished personal service’ to Her Majesty or members of her family.

Before starting an impressive career working for a list of British Royals, Rebecca upheld a normal educational path and studyied English at Newcastle University. Miss Deacon has worked for the British Royal family for more than ten years.

The regal list of work that Rebecca has conducted includes; working closely with Sentebale – Prince Harry’s charity– to holding a position of producer’s assistant for the making of the concert for Diana in 2007.

She has been Kate’s Private Secretary for five years, having taken up the position in 2012. The senior role included looking after both the public and private diaries of the Duchess of Cambridge and accompanying the royals to events and on tour where she would be on hand for anything Kate might need, including carrying gifts and bouquets of flowers given to the Duchess.

Catherine Quinn, Rebecca’s replacement, has previously worked as associate dean for administration and chief operation officer at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School. Catherine holds an MBA from the same school.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY TIA RICHARDS AND CHARLIE PROCTOR

 

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