Kate’s new broom for Kensington shake-up

THE Princess of Wales has hired Jamie Oliver’s former campaigns manager as her new private secretary as she aims to “shake things up” at Kensington Palace, it has emerged.

Brand management expert Alison Corfield, a 51-year-old mother of three, is described as loud, persuasive and straight-talking.

The former air stewardess from Croydon, south London, masterminded celebrity chef Oliver’s free school meals campaign, pushing to raise awareness of food education in schools, reduce junk food advertising and introduce a sugar tax.

A royal source told The Sunday Times: “Alison is an unusual fit. She is a bit out there for Kensington Palace but there is a move to recruit more modernisers and people with private-sector experience, not just civil servants. She will run rings around the courtiers and shake things up a bit. She will be a massive breath of fresh air. She is loud, tons of fun and full of energy and enthusiasm.”

Ms Corfield will replace Hannah Cockburn-logie, a diplomat with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, who The Daily Telegraph revealed had stepped down shortly after the death of Queen Elizabeth for personal reasons.

It is claimed that the Princess actively sought out a “different kind of courtier” as she aims to step up her public work and make more of an impact.

A source who worked with Ms Corfield on Oliver’s campaigns, said: “She’s a ballbreaker, a real straight-talker, very passionate, dynamic and genuinely funny. She makes things happen and will really push things forward at the palace.”