Alright, here’s something you might not know: Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, has her very own lady-in-waiting. If you’re scratching your head wondering what exactly that means, don’t worry—you’re not alone. This role is steeped in tradition and plays a critical part in the royal family’s day-to-day operations. Think of it as having a personal assistant who doubles as a close confidant. Let’s dive into who this unsung hero is and why they’re so important to Kate’s life as a royal. Keep reading to uncover all the juicy details about this fascinating role!
What Exactly is a Lady-in-Waiting?
Let’s rewind a bit. The concept of a lady-in-waiting isn’t exactly modern—it’s been around for centuries. Every queen or princess in a royal family typically has one. Traditionally, this position is filled by someone from British nobility or a well-connected family. Think of her as more of a companion than just an employee. The lady-in-waiting is usually handpicked by the royal herself or selected with the family’s input. Now, here’s where things get interesting: this role isn’t just about organizing schedules or fetching tea (though that happens too). It’s about being a trusted ally, someone who understands the unique pressures of royal life and helps navigate it with grace. For a deeper dive, check out the video below!
Who is Kate Middleton’s Right-Hand Woman?
When Kate first joined the royal family back in April 2011, there was a lot of speculation about who might take on this coveted role. Her younger sister, Pippa Middleton, was a popular choice in the rumor mill. But here’s the kicker: Kate initially didn’t want a lady-in-waiting at all. She preferred to keep things simple and low-key, which is pretty refreshing in such a high-profile world. In fact, she didn’t have one accompanying her on her very first royal tour of Canada and California in July 2011. A source close to the situation told the Daily Mail at the time, “Kate is very low maintenance. She said she doesn’t want a lady-in-waiting. That may change, but she’ll see how she copes on this tour.”
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Kate with her former lady-in-waiting, Rebecca. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Fast forward to 2012, and Kate did bring someone on board: Rebecca Deacon. Rebecca was the perfect fit for the role. Not only was she around the same age as Kate, but she was also incredibly organized and had impeccable manners. As Kate’s right-hand woman, Rebecca was responsible for managing the Duchess’s busy schedule and accompanying her on all those royal tours. It’s a lot of responsibility, and Rebecca handled it with poise and professionalism.
What Happened to Rebecca Deacon?
In March 2017, Rebecca made the decision to step down from her position as Kate’s lady-in-waiting. Kensington Palace issued a statement saying, “After a decade of service to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, Rebecca Deacon will be stepping down as Private Secretary to The Duchess of Cambridge.” The statement went on to thank Rebecca for her hard work and wish her well in her future endeavors. Rebecca reportedly left to focus on her personal life—she got married—and explore new career opportunities. It’s a big move, but it shows how these roles can evolve over time.
Catherine at a royal event in October 2017. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Enter Catherine Quinn
On July 31, 2017, Kensington Palace announced that Catherine Quinn would be taking over as Kate’s new lady-in-waiting. Catherine’s background is impressive—she was the Chief Operating Officer and Associate Dean for Administration at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School. Talk about bringing some serious credentials to the table! Catherine officially started her new role in October 2017, and she was spotted with Kate for the first time during a visit to London’s National Tennis Centre. The Daily Mail noted that Catherine’s appointment signaled Kate’s intention to take on a more serious role in her patronages and charity work. It’s clear that Catherine is
