Kate and William searching for new advisor as royal couple pinpoint key target areas across UK
The Prince and Princess of Wales are looking to recruit a royal aide
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The Prince and Princess of Wales appear to be on a drive to win over further support in Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish communities by hiring a key adviser to be part of their expanding 'on the ground' team.
Although the new hire would be responsible for Prince William and Catherine's public engagements in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the future King and Queen want their new Assistant Private Secretary to specifically focus on Wales and believe it is "essential" that they speak conversational Welsh.
Unlike Prince William's father in 1969, he has no plans for an investiture ceremony as Prince of Wales, conscious of the grumbling tensions within certain local communities.
The Plaid Cymru Senedd group is thought to be hostile to the future King's 'Prince of Wales' title, previously declaring it has "no formal place or responsibility within Welsh life".
The Prince and Princess of Wales are looking to recruit a royal aide
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However, when The King made his eldest son The Prince of Wales shortly after his accession, a royal source told GB News William had begun learning Welsh, and wanted to deepen the trust and respect of the people of Wales over time.
It is understood The Prince and Princess wanted to support Welsh language and culture in their own way, and not follow the customs set out by older generations of the Royal Family - insisting they did not wish to rush things.
Almost two years after taking on their Wales titles, and after a testing year so far with The Princess' major abdominal surgery and cancer diagnosis, it appears Prince William and Catherine are driving forward with their plans, seeking "specific expertise on Welsh communities, affairs, government, and business".
Handled by the largest executive search firm in the United Kingdom, Odgers Berndtson has posted a job advert for an Assistant Private Secretary ("APS"), Wales & UK on behalf of Kensington Palace.
It is understood The Prince and Princess wanted to support Welsh language and culture in their own way, and not follow the customs set out by older generations of the Royal Family - insisting they did not wish to rush things.
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The successful candidate, according to the job description, will be required to deliver "written advice" to Prince William and Catherine, as well as carry out "ad hoc responsibilities" when the royal couple requests them.
Most of The Prince and Princess' public engagements in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland will be planned and delivered by the new aide, who will also be expected to build and manage relationships with different communities across the country on behalf of William and Catherine.
The APS will also be writing speeches for Their Royal Highnesses, and briefing their security team - an essential part of keeping the future King and Queen safe on public engagements.
Conscious of the intense public interest in the British Royal Family, Prince William and Catherine want their new hire to "remain discrete at all times and maintain confidentiality".
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In May, it was reported Prince William and Catherine had suspended their search for the first ever Chief Executive Officer of Kensington Palace who would have helped the royal couple run their household.
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Although the successful candidate is expected to have regular direct contact with Prince William and Catherine, they will be reporting to The Prince of Wales' Private Secretary, Ian Patrick.
Mr Patrick, who was awarded an MBE in the 2006 New Year Honours List for his diplomatic work in Bosnia, is relatively new to the Kensington Palace roster himself, having taken over from Jean-Christophe Gray - who is now Director General of the Cabinet Office and 10 Downing Street.
In May, it was reported Prince William and Catherine had suspended their search for the first ever Chief Executive Officer of Kensington Palace who would have helped the royal couple run their household.
Kensington Palace declined to comment.