Buckingam Palace have announced that Edward Young will become The Queen’s new Private Secretary following the departure of Sir Christopher Geidt in October.
Mr Young is currently Her Majesty’s Deputy Private Secretary and was her Assistant private Secretary before this.
The 50-year-old replaces Sir Christopher Geidt, who has been in the role for over a decade.
In a statement, Sir Christopher said: “It has been my very great privilege to serve The Queen since the Golden Jubilee in 2002 and, especially, as her Private Secretary for the past decade. In that time, as throughout her Reign, Her Majesty’s authority has brought stability, purpose and colour to country and Commonwealth alike.
“With The Duke of Edinburgh’s recent decision to draw back from public life, The Queen’s own unwavering commitment as Sovereign has the full and active support of the entire Royal Family.
“It is therefore with every confidence, and with Her Majesty’s agreement, that I now hand over the responsibilities of The Queen’s Private Secretary to my successor, Edward Young.”
The Lord Chamberlain, The Earl Peel, said: “Over the past decade Sir Christopher has led the Private Secretary’s Office during a hugely successful and significant period of Her Majesty’s reign.
“As the senior Head of Department and member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Committee, he has also played a key role in ensuring a progressive and forward looking strategy has been adopted by the Royal Household.
“In recognition of his major contribution, I would like to take this opportunity to record my message of gratitude and thanks.”
The announcement of a new Private Secretary for The Queen comes on the same day that a successor has been named to become Private Secretary to the Duchess of Cambridge.
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.”
Sources from the Royal Household say that more resignations of senior staff in the Royal Households follow.
A senior source from the household, as reported by the Daily Mail, said that “Sir Christopher’s departure is just the beginning. Major changes are afoot. Yes, it is a shake-up.”
Sir Christopher has long fought to unify the households. However, this has not always gone to plan. Recent attempts to get merge the press offices of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, and Kensington Palace has been a notable favour.
Miguel Head, Prince William’s Private Secretary, has served the Cambridge’s for a decade. He has, however, said he never intended to be a “palace lifter” and that he “feels his time is up”. However, Kensington Place has insisted he has not quit.
Edward Lane Fox, Prince Harry’s private secretary, is also said to be considering to leave.
