The man credited with improving public perceptions of Camilla Parker Bowles and salvaging Prince Charles's reputation after his admission of adultery has left his £130,000 job at St James's Palace in order to concentrate on his own consultancy business.
However, public relations whizz Mark Bolland is expected to maintain contact with the royals through his dealings with the Prince's companion Camilla Parker Bowles. It is believed that the two have formed a strong relationship since the 36-year-old helped change Camilla's poor public image in the wake of Princess Diana's death.
"He has become more of a friend to her and will continue to give advice in a private capacity," said one source. "As I understand it, it will be unpaid advice, but that is a private matter between the two."
Bolland has been an instrumental figure in handling the Prince's public image and even won an industry award for rescuing his reputation after he confessed to adultery in a Jonathan Dimbleby documentary.
His technique of leaking material to journalists in return for positive coverage ruffled a few feathers at St James's Palace, however, and Prince Philip and the Earl and Countess of Wessex are thought to have lost out as Charles' public profile improved. Princes Harry and William even dubbed Bolland "Lord Blackadder" in reference to his Machiavellian approach to the press.
St James's Palace has dismissed rumours of tension between Bolland and Charles' private secretary Sir Michael Peat, insisting that the split was amicable and there are no plans to replace him.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
