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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s new private secretary was hired to ‘rescue their reputation’ and is ‘the safest pair of hands you’ll get’
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry’s new diplomatic employee was hired as an “obvious choice” to "rescue their reputation", according to sources.
High-flying Fiona Mcilwham is the new Sussex private secretary and has been taken on amid their recent controversies.
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A royal source told the that the diplomat “is the safest pair of hands you can get and that is what the couple really need right now”.
The new hire comes as Meghan and Harry have come under fire for taking four private jets in 11 days for their holidays, following doing speeches on climate change.
Meanwhile, Meghan was criticised for banning photos at Wimbledon and the couple have raised eyebrows for keeping Archie’s christening private and spending £2.3million on renovating Frogmore Cottage.
Fiona joining the Sussex household follows the departure of the Queen’s former aide Samantha Cohen, who announced she would leave following the birth of Archie.
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Fiona, 45, describes herself on social media as a “wannabe supermum” and previously held the position as one of the youngest British ambassadors when she was posted to Albania in 2009.
The role of private secretary for the Sussex household involves co-ordinating their official schedule, supervising other staff and managing correspondence.
Fiona is said to have won over the duke and duchess with her passion for women’s right – and was presented as part of a shortlist drawn by the couple’s US-born PR chief Sara Latham.
Fiona is said to live in a £1million home in North London with her son and husband Daniel Korski who is a former aide to David Cameron.
She just completed a strategic leadership course at the Royal College of Defence Studies.
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The Duchess of Sussex has allegedly ruffled feathers among staff, insiders claim, after it was previously rumoured courtiers referred to her as “Duchess Difficult”.
Kensington Palace has denied reports in the past of Meghan having a strained relationship with her staff.
But there have been a number of reports about how Meghan is said to have an unrelenting schedule - reportedly bombarding her staff at dawn with various demands from as early as 5am.
The duchess is said to have "ripped up the rulebook" when it comes to the royals with her constant messages to staff.
A royal insider said: "Meghan can be difficult. She has very high standards and is used to working in a Hollywood environment.”
The duchess has had a number of staff resignations since she joined the royal family in May, including Samantha, Melissa Toubati and Amy Pickerill.
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