Wanted: Press Secretary for Prince William
Prince William is seeking his own personal press secretary. The prestigious appointment begins next year, suggesting that a major “change of use” is set to occur.
Until now William has relied on his father’s press office for spin-doctoring services, but clearly wishes to branch out on his own once he finishes his stint with the Armed Forces. With Prince Charles’s expensive media machine already in situ it’s hard to see why William would need his own office if he were planning to remain at Clarence House next year. The proposed appointment indicates he is planning to set up a home of his own.
The new press officer will cover the Prince’s day-to-day engagements and field questions about his private life. The successful candidate will need to be a top professional with knowledge of Royal affairs and a sensitivity to the political landscape. He or she could expect to receive a handsome remuneration package along the lines of Prince Charles’s arrangements and may even be paid by the Duchy of Cornwall.
With William’s Army career ending in January, it’s doubtful whether SAS officer Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton will continue in his job as his Private Secretary. By some accounts his main role has been keeping the exuberant Prince Harry out of trouble, while facilitating William’s workflow in the military. He may, of course, stay on as Prince Harry’s fixer and troubleshooter.
It looks as if 2009 will be a watershed for the second-in-line to the Throne. The same may be said of Kate Middleton. Even with more time on his hands, it’s unlikely William would set up a new household without Kate. It would inevitably lead to speculation that they had split up again.
The new look for William’s life has all the feel of a well thought-through plan organized by the military — as the best Royal events are.
A newly-independent Prince William, together with Kate, will cut quite a dash on the public scene.
William is taking the right steps. I’m sure Kate fully ready for this but is clearly enjoying the summer freely.
By Rman on June 29th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
John, this is something I’ve wondered about for some time and now seems like the perfect time to ask the question.
When Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer, Charles was already Prince of Wales and had the income from the Duchy of Cornwall to fund his and Diana’s Royal lifestyle. It looks like Prince William will be waiting in the wings for some time before becoming Prince of Wales, so how will Prince William an Kate, after they marry, support themselves in the lifestyle expected for a future King and Queen Consort? Will Prince Charles use part of his income from the Duchy of Cornwall to support William and Kate? Will the Queen help fund her Grandson’s Royal lifestyle and/or will William receive an allowance from the Civil List? I know Prince William receives approximately $500,000 annually from his inheritance from Diana’s estate, but that is definitely not enough to fund a Royal lifestyle. The Princess William’s wardrobe alone will probably absorbe a good portion of the $500,000.
By Arthur on June 29th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Arthur, like most other people Royals keep their personal fortunes separate from “the job”. William’s uniforms will be paid by the Duchy of Cornwall.
Next year he will become a fulltime Royal so will have a portion of the Civil List, which nowadays is paid as a block grant to the Queen. But that won’t be enough for a married couple in line to the Throne, so the Duchy of Cornwall, which he will inherit in due course, will pick up the slack.
By John on June 29th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
The Princess William’s wardrobe alone will probably absorbe a good portion of the $500,000.
Thanks for your response, John. While I am a fan of Prince William, his wardrobe is not as intriguing as Kate’s. For William, it will probably be one Savile Row suit after another. I was referring to Kate when I said The Princess William’s wardrobe. I know I’m jumping the gun a little, but since we are still wondering what Dukedom Prince William will receive, it’s safe to assume his wife will bear at least one title: The Princess William.
By Arthur on June 29th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Sorry if I misinterpreted that, Arthur.
If Kate becomes as expensive as Diana (spending nearly $2m a year on “personal grooming”), he will need large injections from the Duchy of Cornwall.
By John on June 29th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Also, if William gets a Dukedom (10-1 on), the lesser title The Princess William won’t apply.
By John on June 29th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
$2 million a year??? Really John. Good grief I didn’t realize that clothes could amount to that much per year!!!
By jackie Mccoy on June 30th, 2008 at 3:02 am
John, I nominate you for the press officer position. You’d be great at it — explaining the ins-and-outs of the Will and Kate’s life in a positive manner.
Will they be posting the job in the UK equivalent of Monster?
By Alicia on June 30th, 2008 at 6:14 am
Ah, but I’d have to live in London, Alicia, and work for my living. I rather like what I’m doing right now, thanks.
By John on June 30th, 2008 at 8:12 am
They may advertise it in the Telegraph. More likely they will engage a headhunter.
By John on June 30th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Jackie, $2 million a year includes clothes, haircuts, nails, facials, etc. And that’s probably a figure from the 1990s - I think it would be pretty easy to go above that today.
By Amity on June 30th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Gosh it still seems like a lot to me but I suppose that’s how the rich and famous live
By Jackie Mccoy on June 30th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
If Jaime Lowther-Pinkerton was also hired to keep Harry out of trouble how come we always see him with William and not Harry?.
On another note I think William needs to reinvent himself with his own staff who are fresh young and bright. I think the crusty old staff of his fathers have held him back from his potential at the behest of Charles and his image.
By Trudie on July 1st, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Point taken, John. I work at home, too - I telecommute to a Silicon Valley firm. I would hate to have to getting dressed in morning again.
By Alicia on July 4th, 2008 at 3:06 am
I don’t think that next year would be a good time for Kate and William to get married or announce their engagement. The mood in Britain at the moment isn’t amenable. With the current economic downturn and people stuggling to pay electricity, food and fuel bills, the expenses associated with the splendour of a Royal Wedding would really infuriate the public.
By Joanna on July 17th, 2008 at 6:26 pm