The Prince of Wales has appointed a new private secretary.

Ian Patrick, a former government diplomat, who once worked for the late Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown, is set to take up the role at Kensington Palace.

The news comes after Prince William returns to royal duties following a period on the sidelines whilst he supported his family after the Princess of Wales’s abdominal surgery.

Mr Patrick takes over the role from Jean-Christophe Gray, whose departure was announced last October.

Each working member of The Royal Family has a Private Secretary who are effectively their principal’s right-hand man or woman.

At royal engagements, Private Secretaries accompany their designated royal on official visits and act as their eyes and ears on the ground.

Upon his appointment, Ian Patrick instantly became one of the most senior advisers to the Prince Of Wales, and will be tasked with managing his office and diary.