Prince William and Kate Middleton’s latest move ‘explains everything you need to know’ about their marriage

EXCLUSIVE: The Prince and Princess of Wales are hiring a new member of staff – and the decision is in line with everything we know about the pair’s marriage, says a royal expert

Following recent reports that the Prince and Princess of Wales are looking to hire a Welsh-speaking Private Secretary, a leading royal expert has explained why this move does more than just solidify the couple’s relationship with the country.

The job advertisement explains that the lucky applicant would need “specific expertise” of Welsh communities, affairs and government. They would be based at Kensington Palace and would need to know “conversational Welsh” with fluency described as desirable.

Ever since the couple were granted their new titles, they have carried out a number of informal visits to Wales. When doing so, they bring an informal atmosphere with them – whether it how they choose to stay in B&B’s, how they rent out their homes rather than leave them standing empty or how William decided not to have an expensive Prince of Wales investiture ceremony, like his father did in 1969.

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The couple have carried out a number of visits to Wales (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
These low-key decisions, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond says, characterise the couple’s marriage. “William is a Prince of Wales with a difference,” Jennie exclusively tells OK! “No regalia, no ceremony, no grandeur – he clearly wants to engage directly with the community and with the help of a Welsh speaker when appropriate.

“You could argue that Charles made an equally or even greater effort to be engaged with the Welsh people by going to university there and learning Welsh. William obviously feels that grappling with the notoriously difficult Welsh language is one challenge he hasn’t got time for in his busy life.

Prince Charles places his hands between those of Queen Elizabeth II and does homage for the principality of Wales after his investiture at Caernarvon Castle in July, 1969. Charles was the 21st heir to the British throne to hold the title.The 1969 event was watched by 500 million people worldwide on television but received opposition, in particular from Welsh nationalist organisations.
Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales is a lavish ceremony in 1969
“But he is doing things his own way by trying to be part of the community and staying in B&Bs when they go there, renting out properties they own instead of letting them lie empty most of the year, and, before Catherine’s illness, visiting Wales on a regular basis.”

Referring to the happy days the couple spent living in Anglesey while Prince William was stationed there as an RAF search and rescue pilot, Jennie adds: “I think they really do have a special place in their heart for Wales after the exceptionally happy time they spent there in the first years of their marriage.

“On the island of Anglesey they led as normal a life as is possible when you are royal and they loved it. And when they return there to visit, they like to keep that sense of normality going. So, as little fuss and flummery as possible is the way they like it.”

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Prince William is the current Prince of Wales and the title will one day go to Prince George (Image: 2022 Max Mumby/Indigo)
The Prince of Wales title has a long and interesting history – and will one day belong to Prince George. The historic style is traditionally bestowed upon the eldest son of the monarch and as a result Prince George will also gain the titles of Duke of Cornwall, Earl of Chester, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland. He will also inherit the vast private estate of the Duchy of Cornwall.

The title originated in approximately 1223 when Llywelyn ap Gruffudd was given the title by the English King Henry III. The prophecy linked to The Prince of Wales title stems from the belief that one day a prince will be presented from Eleanor’s Gate atop Caernarfon Castle and that he will be a true Welsh-speaking son of Wales.