Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Sky News royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills will take on the role of communications secretary to the King and Queen.
The 46-year-old journalist, who has spent over a decade covering the royal family, will transition from reporting on the Windsors to managing their public relations.
Her partner, Andrew Parsons, is already employed as a photographer for the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Palace sources described Ms Mills as "a great fit" for the position, citing her "intelligence, quick thinking, good humour and resilience" as key attributes for presenting the communications message for the King and Queen.
Rhiannon Mills will become the new communications secretary to the King and Queen
|GETTY
Ms Mills arrives at a turbulent moment for the monarchy. In October, the palace announced that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor would be stripped of his royal titles and removed from Royal Lodge following fresh allegations concerning his association with the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The King's brother was subsequently arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and held for 11 hours before being released under investigation without charge. Andrew strongly denies the allegations.
Both the King and Prince William issued statements expressing "concern" over the matter.
Earlier this month, Republic protesters gathered outside Westminster Abbey during the Commonwealth Day Service, brandishing placards reading "What did you know?" and "What are you hiding?"
Ms Mills has built a reputation for balanced coverage, though she has not shied away from criticising palace communications.
After the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's interview with Oprah Winfrey, she argued that "a dignified silence from the rest of the royal family isn't enough to shut this one down".
Rhiannon Mills has covered the Royal Family for over a decade
|SKY NEWS
Her reporting career has taken her across the globe, including Japan, Africa, Nepal, India, Bhutan, Pakistan, the Middle East, New Zealand and Australia.
In 2015, Prince Harry spoke to Ms Mills about his hopes for starting a family. However, a 2019 encounter in Malawi proved tense when Harry told her: "Rhiannon. Don't behave like this" after she posed an unauthorised question.
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Prince William has also shared personal reflections with Ms Mills, discussing how the late Queen supported him following the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
In her new position, Ms Mills will be responsible for delivering royal announcements and assisting with the planning of engagements and tours.
Palace sources have heaped praise on Ms Mills
|GETTY
A palace source stated that she would bring "a wealth of broadcasting and digital storytelling experience, combined with deep knowledge of Royal matters accrued over a decade of reporting from 'the frontline of history'."
She succeeds Laura Sullivan LVO, who departed for another PR position.
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