Who Is Meghan Markle's New Assistant? Everything You Need to Know About Amy Pickerill
She's about to become VERY close with the soon-to-be royal.
Amy Pickerill has officially been appointed as Meghan Markle's new private assistant secretary. She will handle Meghan's increasingly busy schedule and take care of any of her correspondence. According to ET, Pickerill, a former Kensington Palace press officer, was given her official title on February 19, exactly three months before Meghan and Harry tie the knot.
To recap, once Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially announced their engagement in November, it was only a matter of time before Markle received the royal treatment in every aspect of her life—including getting her own personal assistant. To help manage Markle's royal duties, Prince Harry enlisted Senior Communications Officer Amy Pickerill—who made her first public appearance with the royals during their visit to Cardiff Castle.
Although this may technically be Pickerill's first foray onto the global stage, the 32-year-old assistant has been working with the royals for over a year already, helping the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as well as Prince Harry with their official duties. Here, everything you need to know about Pickerill and her new relationship with Markle.
Her Journey to the Royals
Pickerill graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2007 and began her career working at the HM Treasury in 2009. She was then the media relations manager at the Royal Bank of Scotland before heading over to the RBS press office as head of campaigns. In 2014, she moved to Manhattan for less than a year to work at Ogilvy Public Relations and shortly after made her way back to the Royal Bank of Scotland—this time as the head of campaigns and regional media within the press office.
No word on exactly *how* Pickerill landed the royal position, but she's been working for Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince Harry since September 2016 as their senior communications officer. The royals have a history of looking towards the public to fulfill their royal roles, considering the royal trio posted a job on LinkedIn last July to fulfill another senior communications officer position—this one solely focusing on the activities of The Royal Foundation.
What She'll Do for Meghan
Pickerill will be Meghan's first private secretary to help her prepare to become a full-time royal. She'll reportedly do everything from organizing Meghan's diary to collecting flowers and gifts from the crowd when she attends royal engagements, and may even take the lead on managing her personal schedule. (Think: meetings with foreign leaders, attending world events...you know, the usual.) It will be refreshing for Markle to have a right-hand woman who has also experienced life outside of the royal circle while she continues to adjust to her new life with Harry.
RELATED STORY
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.
-
Kylie Jenner Debuts a Very 2010s-Coded Manicure
She's back in her Tumblr era.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Bella Hadid Saddles Up for Dinner in New York City
The model and her boyfriend of nearly one year stepped out in full Western 'fits to meet friends and family.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Fall 2024's Art-Inspired Fashion Trends Offer Endless Inspiration
From Louis Vuitton's Baroque beading to Loewe's blurry Monet-esque florals.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Prince Harry Is Set to Return to the U.K. in Under 2 Weeks
We can likely expect a short trip.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Meghan Markle Wasn't Cropped Out of Prince Harry's 40th Birthday Post by the Royal Family
Royal sources refuted allegations of a Buckingham Palace snub.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William and Prince Harry "Unified" After the Death of Their Mother Princess Diana
"Please, please remember, don’t ever forget that you’re brothers."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Spent His 40th Birthday Supporting Children in Foster Care With Meghan Markle
The couple made a stylish appearance at a charity tennis tournament.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Kate Was "Influential" in "Softening" Prince William's Approach to Old "Grudges"
"Perhaps she has persuaded William that life is too short."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Three Royal Rulebreakers Who Share the Same September Birthday
Two princes and a glamorous European queen are celebrating in Virgo style.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry Has a “Fresh Perspective” on His Life as He Turns 40 This Weekend
The Duke of Sussex is looking forward to the future.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry Is "Excited" to Turn 40, Reveals He Was "Anxious" at 30
The Duke of Sussex revealed his mindset in a statement to the BBC.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published