Royal Watch News

Prince Charles' right-hand man quits

Nov 28, 2012, 12:02 GMT

Prince Charles

Britain's Prince Charles' communications secretary has resigned.

Paddy Harverson - who was regarded as Charles' right-hand man - has quit his job after nine years and now plans to set up a communications agency advising corporate clients and high net-worth individuals.

Paddy is teaming up with one of Google's top executives, DJ Collins, to launch the as-yet-unnamed consultancy and will leave his current position in the spring.

Paddy was voted top PR professional 2011 by PR Week after overseeing the global media operations for the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in April of that year.

Paddy told Charles and his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, of his intention to leave and the royal couple were said to be 'sad' at the news but excited for their outgoing communications boss.

The news comes just months after Charles appointed Cheryl Cole's mentor, Kristina Kyriacou, as his charities' PR supremo.

A source said at the time: 'His Royal Highness was frustrated that his charities, which do so much good work, were not getting the public attention that they deserve.'