High-flying diplomat joins Team Sussex: Harry and Meghan appoint ‘wannabe supermum’, 45, who was a former UK ambassador to Albania as new private secretary
- Fiona Mcilwham, 45, has been appointed as private secretary by the Sussexes
- She was one of youngest British ambassadors when posted to Albania in 2009
- Follows departure of Queen’s former aide Samantha Cohen from temporary post
By Charlotte Wace and Harry Cole For The Mail On Sunday
Published: 17:03 EDT, 17 August 2019 | Updated: 03:36 EDT, 18 August 2019
Fiona Mcilwham, 45, pictured, has been appointed as the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes’ new private secretary
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have appointed high-flying diplomat Fiona Mcilwham as their new private secretary, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
One of the youngest British ambassadors when she was posted to Albania in 2009, Ms Mcilwham, 45, describes herself on social media as a ‘wannabe supermum’.
Her interest in women’s rights will no doubt have scored points with Meghan. Ms Mcilwham’s appointment follows the departure of the Queen’s former aide, Samantha Cohen, from her temporary role in the post.
The job is the most prestigious within ‘Team Sussex’ and includes co-ordinating their official programme, managing correspondence and supervising other staff members.
According to a palace source, the couple were originally looking for a new joint private secretary who had experience working in a Royal household.
But Ms Mcilwham has won over Palace officials – as well as the couple themselves.
The job is the most prestigious within ‘Team Sussex’ and includes co-ordinating the royal couple’s official programme, managing correspondence and supervising other staff. Prince Harry and Meghan are pictured at the European premiere of Disney’s The Lion King
Harry and Meghan have faced accusations of being ‘difficult’ to work for following the rapid departures of key staff members in recent months.
The rumours began circulating after Melissa Touabti, personal assistant to Meghan, quit only six months into the job.
In January, Meghan’s new female bodyguard also jumped ship – followed by Amy Pickerill, her assistant private secretary.
Heather Wong, who served as assistant private secretary to Harry, was the latest to go.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
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