The Queen’s Assistant Private Secretary, Samantha Cohen, has resigned – the latest senior Buckingham Palace aide to leave the Royal Household in a matter of weeks.
Ms Cohen was widely seen in royal circles as Her Majesty’s No 3, but handed her notice in following the resignation of The Queen’s Private Secretary, Sir Christopher Geidt last week.
Ms Cohen has been working in The Royal Household for ten years, and since 2010 has been working in The Queen’s Private Office.
Speaking to MailOnline, a source said: “Sam worked hand in hand with Sir Christopher and her resignation is being seen as a sign that his departure is not as straightforward as has been made out to be.”
A wave of senior palace officials have resigned in the past couple of weeks. Last week, Buckingham Palace announced that Edward Young would become Her Majesty’s new Private Secretary replacing Sir Christopher Geidt.
Sir Christopher, who has been in the role for ten years, 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.
He will officially leave The Royal Household in October.
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.
