Prince William has suspended his attempt to find a chief executive to overhaul his office at Kensington Palace.
The search was announced last September amid suggestions that the Prince wanted a “revolutionary” restructuring to make his and Kate’s home more corporate.
Odgers Berndtson had been tasked with finding dynamic candidates who were “emotionally intelligent, ‘low ego’ (and) strong self-awareness.”
But eight months later, the ambition has failed and the search has been called off, even though a source said the lack of a strong leader and an “all-seeing eye” has left the couple’s office “rudderless.” at a time when the Princess is also dealing with her cancer diagnosis.
Prince William has paused his search for a new chief executive for his Kensington Palace office.
Traditionally, royal households have been headed by a fierce private secretary, often a former army officer.
In the late Queen’s initial reign, this role was played by the legendary Alan ‘Tommy’ Lascelles, portrayed as a cantankerous enforcer on Netflix’s The Crown, and known as ‘the snake who saved the monarchy’.
A source tells me: ‘The Welsh need their Tommy Lascelles. The appointment of the CEO was supposed to have been completed by now. Without one, they are directionless.
William and Kate have two new private secretaries, Lieutenant Colonel Tom White and former diplomat Ian Patrick, but they are still learning the ropes and were meant to report to the new chief executive.
The source added: “There is a sense that the King’s team feels quite solid – his private secretary, Clive Alderton, has a tight grip on things – whereas it doesn’t seem so clear at Kensington Palace.” His family seems less secure.
William and Kate have two new private secretaries: Lieutenant Colonel Tom White and former diplomat Ian Patrick. Both will report to the new CEO
William’s former private secretary, Jean-Christophe Gray, announced his resignation after it first emerged that a chief executive was to be appointed, although he insisted the two events were not related. It is understood that he has now left his position.
There is also said to be a charged atmosphere in the communications department at Kensington Palace, which is still recovering from Kate’s photoshopped Mother’s Day photo debacle.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said last night: “With everything going on, the Royal Household’s focus is on the Princess’s recovery so no appointment has been made.”