Prince William follows King Charles by hiring key royal staff member

The Valet is thought to be acting as Prince William's personal attendant, whose duties include responsibility for his clothing and appearance.

Taxpayers are not footing the bill for the new royal hiring, instead, The Prince's income from the Duchy of Cornwall is understood to be funding the position.

The Duchy of Cornwall, which provided the future King with nearly a £6million income this year, funds the official, charitable, and private lives of The Prince and his immediate family.

His Royal Highness chooses to pay income tax at the highest rate on the taxable income from The Duchy.

The Prince is following in the footsteps of his father, King Charles, who has employed valets for a number of years.

Prince William's workload is understood to have increased significantly since becoming heir apparent and acts as a Counsellor of State, ready to deputise on behalf of The King if he is abroad or unwell.

The Prince of Wales is expected to travel to Singapore in November to attend the third annual Earthshot Prize ceremony, set up to find fifty innovative solutions to repair the planet over a decade.

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Kensington Palace declined to comment.