In September, it was revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had personally chosen former BBC producer Ed Perkins as their new press secretary during a staff reshuffle. Now, Prince William is looking for another press officer to bring his team up to three people.
A job description for the new position asks that prospective applicants be skilled with "digital media" and places the salary at £30,000. "The post has been created to take into account the growing work of the communications team, especially in light of the impending Household Office move to Kensington Palace, which is taking place from the end of December through to Easter next year," a current spokesperson told the Telegraph. The move will fuel speculation that the Duke is preparing to take on more royal duties and wind down the amount of time spent on duty as a search and rescue pilot based at RAF Valley, Anglesey. There, Flight Lieutenant Wales – as William is known in the military – commands Search and Rescue operations in RAF Sea King helicopters. In the past, the royal has been very vocal about his love of the job. At his graduation in September 2010 he said: "I absolutely love flying, so it will be an honour to serve operationally with the search and rescue force, helping to provide such a vital emergency service."
Despite the pilot prince's passion for his work, his destiny as future King becomes ever more pressing – particularly since Kate has flourished in her own role since their 2011 nuptials. Now, intense interest is generated by the couple's every move, prompting the Duke and Duchess to beef up their team and bring in an experienced journalist to handle their colossal profile.In December, 37-year-old Ed Perkins will become the eyes, ears – and voice – for William, Kate and Prince Harry. Ed is due to replace Miguel Head (pictured below) who currently fills the role as press secretary. The appointment was a clear sign the young royals are now exerting greater influence in managing their own affairs.
For her part, Kate also made some changes of her own, and 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 royal household.