Princes split households as Sussexes hire Clinton adviser
The Duke of Cambridge and Duke of Sussex are formally to split their households, as they and their wives go their separate ways after a lifetime of being the nation’s favourite royal double act.
The brothers are to separate every logistical element of their working lives, with staff based in different palaces and key aides moved or replaced.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, whose office will move to Buckingham Palace, have appointed a new press secretary, Sara Latham, a former senior adviser to Bill Clinton and the government of Tony Blair, who also worked on Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.
The decision will be seen as a clear signal to the direction of the Sussexes’ working lives, as they build their own profile by speaking out on the issues closest to their hearts.
The announcement comes after months of speculation about the future of the young royal household at Kensington Palace. Nicknamed the ‘‘Fab Four’’, the couples have been plagued with rumours – denied and downplayed by aides – that their working style is no longer compatible.
While the Duke of Cambridge prepares for his eventual role as king, building his working life around more statesmanlike engagements, the Duke of Sussex has been settling in to his new platform as a married man.
The existing team of staff at Kensington Palace has endured a significantly increased workload since the arrival of the Duchess of Sussex, as a result of having four adult working members of the Royal family.
Last year, the Sussexes confirmed that they would be moving to Frogmore Cottage, Windsor, to coincide with the arrival of their baby in April.
Yesterday, the Royal households issued a formal announcement about the split. ‘‘The Queen has agreed to the creation of a new Household for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, following their marriage in May last year,’’ it said.
‘‘The Household, which will be created with the support of the Queen and the Prince of Wales, will be established in the spring.’’ It will be funded by the Duchy of Lancaster, Duchy of Cornwall and the Sovereign Grant.
‘‘This long-planned move will ensure that permanent support arrangements for the Duke and Duchess’s work are in place as they start their family and move to their official residence,’’ the statement added.
Significantly, key members of the joint team at Kensington Palace are to remain in the service of the Cambridges. Jason Knauf, their press secretary, will become special adviser and Christian Jones, the deputy press secretary, will be promoted to communications secretary. The Sussexes will be represented by Latham, who is moving from Freuds PR firm, where she ‘‘oversaw global corporate accounts’’ involving ‘‘executive thought leadership and purpose-led campaigns’’.
She has worked in the White House for Bill Clinton, on his wife’s presidential campaign, and as a special adviser for Tessa Jowell when she was culture secretary in the Blair government.
Her experience may be particularly aligned with the interests of the Duchess, who has built a reputation for her strong public speaking on passionately held beliefs. The Sussex team is still seeking fill several positions. Samantha to Cohen, the interim press secretary, will not remain in the role in the long term, while Amy Pickerill, the assistant private secretary, is leaving after the birth.
While sources have previously suggested any split would see the foursome maintain their working relationship through their charitable foundation, that too is to be reexamined.
A team led by Knauf is to begin reviewing the ‘‘charitable structures that underpin’’ their work, in changes that may include the dismantling of their umbrella organisation, the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.