The Duchess of Cambridge’s new private secretary was photographed alongside the royal for the first time as she attended an event in London today.
Catherine Quinn, formerly chief operating officer at Oxford University’s Said Business School, was spotted accompanying Kate to the National Tennis Centre.
Mrs Quinn was appointed in August, replacing much-liked Rebecca Deacon, dubbed Kate’s Girl Friday, who left to become a private consultant.
Wearing a smart lavender coloured blazer, the private secretary walked several feet behind Kate as she arrived for the engagement in London in her role as patron of the Lawn Tennis Association.
Right-hand woman: Private secretary Catherine Quinn was seen with the Duchess of Cambridge for the first time today as the royal visited the National Tennis Centre
Formidable: Mrs Quinn is the former chief operating officer at Oxford University’s Said Business School
Accomplished: Wearing a smart lavender coloured blazer, the private secretary walked several feet behind Kate as she arrived for the engagement in London
Kate, 35, was the epitome of casual chic in recycled Monreal London ‘tuxedo’ track pants worth an eye-watering £220 and £170 Nike Air VaporMax trainers, loved by footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand.
Lancashire-born Mrs Quinn, a divorcee with a grown-up son, has an MBA from Oxford as well as degrees from other British and US universities.
Chic: Mrs Quinn opted for a lavender blazer and black turtle neck jumper for the event today
Trusted: Mrs Quinn, pictured, will become the first port-of-call for all of the duchess’ affairs
She spent several years working at Oxford, directing the university’s Research Services and co-founding Oxford University Consulting, before joining the Wellcome Trust, the charitable healthcare foundation, where she led its grant-giving operations.
From there she moved to become chief executive of the Middle Temple, one of the Inns of Court to which barristers belong.
Finally she joined Oxford Said, juggling the role with positions on the boards of the Charity Commission, the Met Office, the Royal British Legion and the National Memorial Arboretum.
Much-liked Miss Deacon, 34, had been a member of the duchess’s inner circle from the time of her wedding to Prince William in 2011, guiding her through the early years of royal life
The high-flying professional is likely to receive a six-figure salary which will be met by Prince Charles through his private income from the Duchy of Cornwall.
Last year he spent close to £3.5million supporting William, Kate and Harry’s official work and private households.
Much-liked Miss Deacon, 34, had been a member of the duchess’s inner circle from the time of her wedding to Prince William in 2011, guiding her through the early years of royal life.
Sporty Kate takes part in a Tennis for Kids session during a visit at the Lawn Tennis Association
High five! Kate bonded with young sporting fans during a coaching session with tennis player Johanna Konta (right)
The keen tennis fan was seen bonding with British number one Johanna Konta, who is an ambassador for Tennis For Kids