With all the interest generated by their every move, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have brought in an experienced journalist to handle their affairs.On Wednesday, it was revealed that the royal couple had personally chosen 37-year-old Ed Perkins as their new press secretary, during a reshuffle of their staff.Being the eyes, ears – and voice – for Britain's future monarch is perhaps one of the most testing jobs in the country.
But Ed, who will also look after Prince Harry, has proved his worth before. Having previously worked for the Duke of York during tumultuous times, his experience of smoothing over a crisis will be useful, particularly in the wake of Harry's controversial Las Vegas trip. The appointment is a clear sign the young royals are now excerting greater influence in the handling of their own affairs. Kate also recently promoted her trusted personal assistant Rebecca Deacon to the position of private secretary. The move was described as an "evolutionary step" in the development of the household.And she won't be alone in having such a close aide to support her as she and William seek to beef up their team.
Miguel Head (pictured), the current press secretary to the young royal trio, will become William's own right hand man. The position for Harry's assistant has yet to be filled. In the meantime, he will be looked after by Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who has been the Princes' private secretary since 2005. New recruit Ed is a Cambridge graduate, and carved out a successful career as a producer and editor for both the BBC and ITV's news operations. He made the move to Buckingham Palace in 2007, and earned his stripes with his cool handling of Prince Andrew's friendship with controversial businessman, Jeffrey Epstein. He is leaving his post as the second-in-command at Buckingham Palace's press office. Besides his glowing professional achievements, Ed will also be able to relate to Princes Harry and William on a personal level. Like the two royals, he is a member of the Territorial Army, giving him first-hand knowledge of the Armed Forces. Ed is set to join the team in December, and until then will no doubt be watching with interest as both William and Kate prepare to embark on their Diamond Jubilee tour of Asia and the South Pacific.