Christian Jones has been touted as essential in helping William manage the fallout from Meghan Markle’s step down from the Royal Family last year. Mr Jones became the Duke’s private secretary last March, replacing Simon Case. But the aide is now becoming a partner at Bridgepoint, and will head corporate affairs for the £18 billion company.
Despite leaving the royals full time, Mr Jones will continue advising William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge.
Kensington Palace poached Mr Jones from the Cabinet Office’s Europe Unit in December 2018, where he originally provided PR advice to both the Cambridge and Sussex royals.
He was then promoted to William and Kate’s communications secretary within three months, becoming private secretary once Mr Case stepped down last year.
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The Duke’s former private secretary Mr Case became the Head of the Civil Service and Cabinet Secretary in September last year.
Craig Oliver, ex-Prime Minister David Cameron’s former communications chief, spoke glowingly of Mr Case to the Financial Times.
He said: “He’s an effective, thoughtful person. He has a manner which is very non-aggressive. He was known for being able to deliver across a number of difficult briefs.”
Julian Payne, Prince Charles’ Director of Communications, also stepped down recently to join communications firm Edelman.
