Former Private Assistant to Duchess of Cambridge Welcomes Second Child

Rebecca Priestley, the former private assistant to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has welcomed her second child with husband Adam Alexander Priestley.

The news was revealed by Hello!

magazine, which reported that the couple's son, Patrick Michael Walter, was born on January 27 and will be known as Paddy.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with Mrs Priestley's former colleagues at the royal household, were informed of the baby's birth on Sunday, just in time for Valentine's Day.

Mrs Priestley tied the knot with Adam in 2017, two years before giving birth to their first-born, William Michael Alexander, known as Billy.

Rebecca was considered the Duchess's right-hand woman and was responsible for organising formal programmes and engagements, as well as keeping Catherine informed about who she would be meeting.

She also accompanied the Cambridges on excursions around the world, including trips to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Before joining William and Catherine's team, Rebecca worked with Prince Harry's charity, SentiBail.

Her vital work within the royal household was publicly acknowledged in 2017 when Prince William awarded her the Royal Victorian Order during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

She was also given the honour of marrying Adam in the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace, an exclusive venue available only to those with a direct link to the royal family.

The bride wore a beautiful cowl-necked wedding gown, with her hair swept back in an elegant updo.

Mrs Priestley recently shared insights into the Duchess of Cambridge's approach to work, saying: “She has a great sense of humour.

On a trip back from an engagement, she will giggle if something went wrong and sees the funny side of things, and I will often take the mick out of herself and William.

People mainly see her professional side, but it doesn't mean the fun's not there.”

Rebecca's baby was born just weeks after Catherine celebrated the birth of the second child of Natasha Archer, her stylist and personal assistant.

Ms Archer, who was awarded the Royal Victorian Order in 2019 by Prince William, is the wife of royal photographer Chris Jackson.

She was initially hired as Catherine's personal assistant in 2007 but increased her workload over the years.

Speaking about their relationship, a royal source told Grazia in 2020, “Natasha and Catherine get on very well.

She has always supported and advised Catherine, and the Duchess loves Natasha's style.

It seemed an obvious appointment.”

The news of Mrs Priestley's baby comes as Catherine continues to undertake her royal duties amid the ongoing pandemic.

The Duchess recently marked Children's Mental Health Week by releasing a video message in which she encouraged children to express their feelings and seek help when they need it.