Since being a royal bride-to-be is now her full-time job, Meghan Markle's future in-laws are making sure the former actress gets all the help she needs in making the transition into her new—and decidedly different—life as part of the British royal family.
The duchess-in-training has just been given her own right-hand woman to help her keep pace with her increasingly busy her schedule.
Earlier this week, Kensington Palace announced press officer Amy Pickerill will now be an assistant private secretary in Prince Harry's office working on Meghan's "official diary" and handling any correspondence that Meghan receives.
The job is certainly no small task considering the volume of mail the couple reportedly has already gotten. They have been deluged with thousands of cards and letters from well-wishers all over the world that have been arriving steadily at the Palace since Harry and Meghan announced their engagement in late November of last year.
The Palace has endeavored to send out thank-you notes to all the fans who write to the couple. Some excited recipients of the cards, which include a photograph of the lovebirds from their engagement photocall, have posted the missives on social media.
"Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle are hugely grateful for the many good wishes they have received since announcing their engagement. They are very much looking forward to the day and to being able to share their celebrations with the public," said a spokesman.
The news that Meghan now has her own handler is no surprise as the former Suits star's royal obligations have been ramping up as the wedding date nears.
According to a Palace spokesman, Pickerill will also be working on "Meghan Markle's programme," which includes accompanying her on the "Getting to Know You" tour around Britain the couple has undertaken in the run-up to the wedding. Meghan and Harry have already made four official appearances together. They most recently visited Scotland where Meghan honored her hosts by wearing a Burberry coat in a traditional Scottish tartan. Pickerill made her first public appearance with Meghan during their visit to Cardiff Castle.
Although her hew job as Meghan's handler is technically her first foray onto the global stage, the 32-year-old assistant has been working with the royals for over a year, helping Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge with their official duties. In 2014, she moved to Manhattan to work at Ogilvy Public Relations, but returned to the UK less than a year later to work for the Royal Bank of Scotland as the head of campaigns and regional media within the press office.
During the royal trip to Edinburgh earlier this month, Pickerill was photographed holding a bouquet of tulips that had been given to Meghan by a fan. Royals must accept gifts from the public, so Pickerill will no doubt be juggling many trinkets that will be bestowed on Meghan when she's out and about in the months leading up to the wedding on May 19. And for more great royals coverage: See Queen Elizabeth Rule the Runway in London.
Diane Clehane is a New York-based journalist and the author of Imagining Diana A Novel and Diana: The Secrets of Her Style.
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