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InsightPrince & Princess of Wales

Who is Catherine Quinn – the new 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. But who is Ms Quinn, and what will she bring to The Royal Family?

Photo Credit: Saïd Business School,

Catherine Quinn is currently head of the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, and it is understood she will take up her role as the new Private Secretary in October 2017.

Prior to her position at the University of Oxford, Ms Quinn took up leadership roles in two organisations, namely The Middle Temple and the Wellcome Trust.

At the Wellcome Trust, the charitable health care foundation, she led its grant-giving operations. She then moved onto the Middle Temple, one of the four Inns of Court, where she was Chief Executive.

In 2006, Ms Quinn transferred to the University of Oxford where she directed the University’s institution-wide Research Services before taking on her current role as head of the Saïd Business School.

Ms Quinn is also on the board of four organisations; namely, the Royal British Legion, The National Memorial Arboretum, The met office and The Charity Commission of England and Wales.

As far as education is concerned, Ms Quinn holds an MBA from the Said Business school and is also a graduate of the school’s Women Transforming Leadership course. She also holds honours degrees from both the UK and the US.

In her new role as Private Secretary, Ms Quinn will be in charge of the Duchess of Cambridge’s office and will manage the future Queen’s official programme and coordinate her charitable interests.

As was the case with Rebecca Priestley, Ms Quinn will also be seen at public engagements supporting the Duchess and will collect flowers and gifts that are presented to her.

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