Kristina Kyriacou, one of Prince Charles' most senior aides, took exception to a Channel 4 reporter who tried to question the royal about the 'black spider memos' on Wednesday. Kristina, who works as Charles' communications secretary, stepped in to physically block Michael Crick when he approached the Prince, before pulling apart his microphone.Reporter Michael was waiting for Charles outside a Marks & Spencer in Marble Arch, where the royal was carrying out an official engagement for the Prince's Trust, and attempted to ask him whether he was worried about the letters being published.
Michael Crick posted a video of his run-in with Kristina Kyriacou on Twitter
In response, Kristina stepped between Michael and Charles, and in one swift movement reached back and grabbed the reporter's microphone, before pulling off the protective cover and dropping it on the floor.Kristina has a reputation for being fiercely protective of her clients. She was appointed communications secretary for the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at the start of this year – reportedly after Charles personally intervened to ensure she was given the job.Her association with the Prince first began in 2012, when she took on the part time role of assistant communications secretary at Clarence House, and was made responsible for his charities.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKristina Kyriacou pictured with Prince Charles and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini in 2011
Prior to that, her 30-year career was firmly rooted in the entertainment industry, however. She has worked closely with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Simon Cowell and Gary Barlow, who reportedly affectionately refers to her as 'The Colonel'.Kristina also has a wealth of experience in the fundraising sector, having spent six years working as the head of media and public relations at Comic Relief.Since working alongside the Prince, she has been instrumental in raising his public profile further; Kristina was responsible for Charles' debut on the BBC1 show Countryfile, and for his guest edit of an issue of Country Life magazine in celebration of his 65th birthday.
