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Kate Middleton’s right hand: that’s who Natalie Barrows is

When the Prince and Princess of Wales joined the royal family to welcome the president of South Africa in the UK over the last couple of days, they will surely have relied on their trusty assistants to keep things running smoothly. This close circle of collaborators she’s never far from them during royal engagements, especially on high-profile occasions like a state visit.

On his way to officially welcome South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Kate Middleton she was spotted sharing a light-hearted moment with one of her co-workers in the back of the royal car. Kate was photographed with a big smile as she chatted with her travel companion: a few minutes of lightness and relaxation in a busy day.

The Princess of Wales (Duchess of Cambridge at the time), accompanied by her private assistant Natalie Barrows

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

The name of this royal assistant? Natalie Barrows, Assistant Personal Secretary to the Princess of Wales. It appears that she has held this position since 2017 and that over the course of five years she has become a trusted right hand to Kate.

While not much is known about Barrows’ private life, she is often spotted in the background of royal engagements. For their trip to the Bahamas earlier this year, the royal couple would travel with 15 staff membersincluding bodyguards and communications officers.

The assistant is vital in assisting the Prince and Princess of Wales with their schedules, co-ordinating agendas, making travel arrangements and handling correspondence. Plus she makes sure that Kate is aware of who she’s meeting with. At public events such as walks, Barrows will always be within meters of Kate, ready to intervene at any moment to bring flowers, cards and other gifts that will be delivered by witnesses.

The Princess and the Prince of Wales upon their arrival at Buckingham Palace

John Phillips/Getty Images

While the Princess never carries a travel bag, it is often the case that the Assistant Private Secretary takes care of carrying any essential items the Princess might need. In March, for example, Barrows was seen standing behind the princess as she landed in the Bahamas. Careful not to be in the spotlight, Barrows knew how to seize the right moment to step in and take the bouquet from the princess’ hands so she could continue to wave to the crowd. This is a role that requires a high level of discretion and a deep understanding of real life.

Source: Vanity Fair

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