Job for one of Meghan’s ex staff ? PA to Wills & Kate!
THIS could be one for Melissa Touabti, who shocked the Palace when she suddenly quit as the Duchess of Sussex’s personal assistant just six months after Meghan Markle married into the Royal Family.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are seeking their own new PA — and staff tend to last longer working for William and Kate.
Given the furore that Melissa’s departure caused, after it was disclosed by this newspaper’s Eden Confidential column in 2018, Prince William and Kate are emphasising the ‘exceptional’ qualities they require.
The advertisement on the royal website stresses that the ability to ‘maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion at all times is essential’.
It states: ‘We require an experienced PA to provide comprehensive administrative support to a busy team. The role will be responsible for managing diaries, arranging meetings, organising and assisting with visits, events and travel.
‘Duties will also include: handling telephone calls and regularly drafting letters and emails.’
Explaining that candidates must have ‘impeccable IT skills and a proactive approach’, the ad continues: ‘Excellent organisation and communication skills are essential, as is attention to detail and a willingness to undertake a wide variety of tasks.’
After Melissa left her post working for Meghan, a Kensington Palace source paid tribute to her, saying: ‘Melissa is a hugely talented person.
‘She played a pivotal role in the success of the Royal Wedding and will be missed by everyone in the Royal Household.’
She was not the first member of staff to leave the Sussexes’ employ.
Before her, there was another PA, a young woman already employed by the Palace. She did not stay long after Meghan arrived.
Both PAs signed non-disclosure agreements. There is no suggestion that Meghan tried to prevent them from speaking.
Lawyers for Harry and Meghan stated that she had no knowledge of the agreements and that they believed staff to be comfortable and happy.