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Prince & Princess of Wales

The Duchess of Cambridge appoints a new Private Secretary

The Duchess of Cambridge has appointed Catherine Quinn to be her new Private Secretary, replacing Rebecca Priestley who leaves in the Summer.

Ms Quinn is currently Chief Operating Officer at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, and will take up her new position at Kensington Palace in October.

In a statement, Kensington Palace said: “Catherine is a member of the Boards of the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Met Office, and the Royal British Legion.

“She has an MBA from Oxford University’s Saïd Business School and degrees from US and UK universities.”

Ms Quinn has also previously held leadership roles at Middle Temple and was a Non-Executive Director of the National Memorial Arboretum

She will take over from Rebecca Priestley, who is stepping down in the Summer, as Royal Central exclusivly reported in March.

At the time, Kensington Palace said: “Their Royal Highnesses are incredibly grateful for all the hard work and support Rebecca has given over the past ten years, and wish her luck in the next phase of her career.”

The news comes on the same day that Buckingham Palace announce The Queen’s Private Secretary is to step down in what is seen as a surprise resignation.

Sir Christopher Geidt worked for The Queen for ten years. His sudden departure is seen as apparently the first of a “slew” of staff member changes. It is rumoured that other senior officials will be leaving before Christmas, although this has not been confirmed by the Palace.

This restructuring is said to be a part of The Queen and Prince Philip’s preparation to hand over more duties to the younger royals as they step back. Prince Philip will be retiring next week, and The Queen will be stepping down from patronages in 20 organisations. However, she has no plan to retire or abdicate.