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MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry have hired a new staff member to join their Sussex household.
The couple have appointed high-flying diplomat Fiona Mcilwham as their private secretary, according to the Mail on Sunday.
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The appointment follows the departure of the Queen’s former aide Samantha Cohen, who announced she would leave following the birth of Archie.
Fiona, 45, describes herself on social media as a “wannabe supermum” and held the position as one of the youngest British ambassadors when she was posted to Albania in 2009.
The role of private secretary for the Sussex household involves co-ordinating their official schedule, supervising other staff and managing correspondence.
Fiona is said to have won over the duke and duchess with her passion for women’s right.
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The Duchess of Sussex has allegedly ruffled feathers among staff, insiders claim, after it was previously rumoured courtiers referred to her as “Duchess Difficult”.
Kensington Palace has denied reports in the past of Meghan having a strained relationship with her staff.
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But there have been a number of reports about how the Duchess of Sussex is said to have a demanding personality and rigorous work ethic.
Meghan is said to have an unrelenting schedule – reportedly bombarding her staff at dawn with various demands from as early as 5am.
And she is said to have “ripped up the rulebook” when it comes to the royals with her constant messages to staff.
A royal insider said: “Meghan can be difficult. She has very high standards and is used to working in a Hollywood environment.”
The duchess has had a number of staff resignations since she joined the royal family in May, including their private secretary Samantha Cohen, who will leave after the royal baby arrives.
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It came as a shock to many when it was reported last year that Samantha, who has worked at the palace for 17 years, was to leave her role.
Another high profile aide for Meghan, Melissa Toubati, sensationally resigned just six months after the royal wedding.
The French assistant who played a “pivotal role in the success of the Royal Wedding” ditched her appointment after “putting up with a lot”.
And Meghan’s right-hand woman Amy Pickerill, who was appointed as her secretary last year, was also announced to be leaving.
Buckingham Palace was contacted but declined to comment.
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