Charles loses his top spin doctor

PRINCE Charles’s spin doctor is quitting his job, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Former BBC man Julian Payne has been in charge of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall’s public image for five years, during which time their popularity has steadily grown.

In particular, the Duchess has benefited from championing unfashionable causes such as domestic abuse survivors and adult literacy. Last week she launched her own book club on Instagram.

Mr Payne is also credited with encouraging Charles, 72, to use social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. The Prince was also the first Royal to use Zoom, was voted GQ Man of the Year and even launched his own clothing range which was featured in Vogue.

The Prince also addressed fears that he would be a meddling monarch. When asked two years ago if his public campaigning on issues from architecture to the environment would continue once he took the throne, he said: ‘No, it won’t. I’m not that stupid. I do realise it is a separate exercise being sovereign. So I understand entirely how that should operate.’

Mr Payne, 48, is leaving to take up a new job as chairman of corporate affairs at PR firm Edelman. His move comes as Amanda McManus r et urns to her role as Ca mill a’ s private secretary following a year-long sabbatical.