The Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex bid farewell to their long-time Private Secretaries on Wednesday, after Kensington Palace announced earlier in the year that both Miguel Head, Prince William’s Private Secretary, and Edward Lane Fox, Prince Harry’s Private Secretary, would be leaving their posts.
Accompanied by their wives, the brothers held separate audiences for Head and Lane Fox. There was no official ceremony, and photos were not released to mark the event.
Prince William’s new Private Secretary, Simon Case, joins the Kensington Palace team with years of government experience, most recently helping to navigate Brexit as it affects British-Irish relations.
When Head announced that he was stepping down in March, Prince William’s team released the following statement:
His Royal Highness feels incredibly lucky to have benefited from Miguel’s advice and support over the last decade. He has been an outstanding press secretary and private secretary, and has been central to the decisions that have guided the establishment of the Duke’s office. He has also been a valued adviser during an important period in His Royal Highness’s life. He wishes Miguel all the very best for the future.”
Head had served as Prince William’s Private Secretary for 10 years.
Lane Fox’s departure was announced in April, with the reason given that he wants to spend more time with his family. He had been Prince Harry’s Private Secretary for five years.
Prince Harry’s team said, at the time, that, “His Royal Highness is hugely grateful to Ed for his hard work during a period that has seen the launch and growth of the Invictus Games, countless tours around the world, and the detailed planning for next month’s wedding.
“Ed has led the creation of Prince Harry’s private office and the development of His Royal Highness’s work across a range of issues since leaving the Armed Forces. He has worked tirelessly, providing valued advice to Prince Harry and leadership of a growing team.”
No replacement had been formally announced for Lane Fox, but The Queen’s assistant Private Secretary, Samantha Cohen, has joined the team in the interim and will guide the Sussexes through their tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga next month.
A Private Secretary is the most senior position in a royal’s household, and is responsible for scheduling and programming, correspondence and communications.
