Look behind the dazzling smile and perfect mane at any of the Duchess of Cambridge's engagements and you will often see a lookalike brunette hovering discreetly a few feet away. Rebecca Deacon was there in Liverpool, taking charge of posies Kate had been given by the crowd – leaving the Duchess to interact freely with more eager well-wishers.
And the triumphant start to the Queen's Jubilee tour in Leicester was due in a small part to her organisational skills. Perched just behind Kate and the monarch, Becca, as she is known to friends, could be seen doing what she does best – providing understated support. In a short time, as Assistant Private Secretary, the 29-year-old has become invaluable to the future Queen. Her duties include everything from helping with the research that allows the newest Windsor appear so well informed in the course of her charity work to picking up clothes. While Kate visiting certain boutiques would be headline news, no one gives a second glance to another young woman her age popping in.
She also organises her diary and can help with last-minute checks such as making sure not a hair is out of place before public appearances. Rebecca, the daughter of a female vicar and an army major, who passed away when she was three, was educated at The Royal School in Bath. She then studied English at Newcastle University. Like Jamie Lower-Pinkerton, her boss, who masterminded Princes William's and Harry's rise from shy young men into respected public figures, she is increasingly becoming a trusted figure and even adviser. But like Jamie, who is so close to the Wales men that his son William was a page boy at the royal wedding, she also knows not to overstep the bounds. A source told the Mirror: "She will routinely curtsy and maintains an entirely professional relationship with (the royals). "The younger royals are known for being more relaxed, but there is still a respect for tradition." William first noticed her good sense and calm manner during the Concert for Diana in 2007, when working as an assistant to the producers, she helped the event go off smoothly.
The source told the newspaper: "She is a perfect companion because she is similar in age to Kate, is very organised and had lovely manners. "She knows when to stand back and let Kate meet the public and when to step forward and introduce herself." And as her responsibilities grow within the Firm with the passing years, and if and when there is a royal baby, the Duchess will need more support – assistance Rebecca is more than able to give.