Kate’s right-hand women! Duchess’ private secretaries, former diplomat Hannah Cockburn-Logie and Natalie Barrows, play crucial royal tour role by briefing her on engagements and ensuring there’s not a hair out of place
- Duchess of Cambridge is joined by her right-hand women on the royal tour
- Trusted private secretary Hannah Cockburn-Logie OBE is a former diplomat
- Assistant private secretary Natalie Barrows joined the royal household in 2017
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have a packed schedule on their royal tour of the Caribbean, which means they need trusted aides by their side to keep things running smoothly.
Among the team are Kate’s right-hand women: private secretary Hannah Cockburn-Logie OBE, a former diplomat who joined the Cambridges’ team in 2020, and assistant private secretary Natalie Barrows, who has worked for the Royal Family for five years.
A private secretary – a role similar to a chief of staff – is there to facilitate a smooth running of the Duchess’s day, from coordinating her correspondence to organising her royal engagements.
They are also responsible for briefing the Duchess on any dignitaries or officials she might be meeting.
When meeting members of the public, the private secretaries will be seen walking just a few feet behind the Duchess, ready to step in at any moment to carry the flowers, cards and other tokens she might be handed by well-wishers.
And while Kate tends to carry only the smallest of handbags, if any at all, private secretaries are more likely to be found with a larger hold-all packed with the essentials the Duchess might need.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have a packed schedule on their royal tour of the Caribbean, which means they need trusted aides by their side to keep things running smoothly. Among them is assistant private secretary Natalie Barrows (pictured)
By her side: Private secretary Hannah Cockburn-Logie OBE, a former diplomat who joined the team in 2020, is seen carrying a gift for the Duchess as she walks behind her in Jamaica
Ms Barrows was spotted standing just behind Kate as the royal plane touched down in the Bahamas.
Taking care to stay out of the spotlight, Ms Barrows knew just the right moment to step in and take a bouquet from the Duchess so she could continue greeting.
As with all members of the royal household Ms Barrows keeps a low profile, both on official engagements, and online.
Little is known about her employment history but it is thought she started working with the Royal Family in 2017 and was first spotted on an engagement with the Duchess of Cambridge in 2018.
In the background: Natalie Barrows behind the Duchess of Cambridge in the Bahamas. When meeting members of the public, the private secretaries will be seen walking just a few feet behind the Duchess, ready to step in at any moment to carry the flowers, cards and other tokens she might be handed by well-wishers
Keeping Kate’s hands free: Moments later Ms Barrows had stepped in to take the flowers
Royal insider: Ms Barrows sits behind Prince William at a military parade in Kingston yesterday
Ms Barrows reports to Ms Cockburn-Logie OBE MVO, who was hired in June 2020 to replace Oxford-educated Catherine Quinn, who left the post after just two years in November 2019.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Ms Cockburn-Logie took up the full-time post at Kensington Palace at the beginning of June 2020.
Ms Cockburn-Logie has 20 years of experience working in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and has spent much of her career representing the UK overseas, with postings to Slovenia, India and most recently Brussels.
She served as head of political and bilateral relations at the British High Commission in India, based in New Delhi, until September 2018.
It is likely she first met the Cambridges when she arranged and accompanied the couple on their seven-day tour to India and Bhutan in April 2016.
Royal engagements: Ms Barrows with the Duchess of Cambridge on a visit to Leicester City Football Club’s King Power Stadium following the devastating helicopter crash of 2018
Blending in: Ms Barrows with the Duchess of Cambridge on a visit to the Natural History Museum in October 2019
On hand: Ms Barrows (right) with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on St Patrick’s Day 2019
She also organised and led the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall’s visit to India in November 2017.
In December 2017, Ms Cockburn-Logie was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of her services to the relationship between the UK and India, having led Prime Ministerial visits in both directions, as well as Prince William and Kate’s tour.
Speaking about her OBE, she told The Grimsby Telegraph at the time: ‘I am absolutely over the moon, it is a real privilege and honour having worked so hard for the past few years in India.
‘It is really nice to have your work recognised. I never imagined when I was at school that I would one day be recognised in this way. I hope it shows that hard work pays off. It is wonderful to be back in Grimsby to share this news with my family in person.’
She was also awarded an MVO in 2008 for her work leading the Queen’s visit to Slovenia.
Right-hand woman: Ms Cockburn-Logie with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their seven-day tour to India and Bhutan in April 2016, which she arranged and led
In December 2017 Ms Cockburn-Logie was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of her services to the relationship between the UK and India, having led Prime Ministerial visits in both directions, as well as Prince William and Kate’s tour
Mother-of-two Hannah grew up in Cleethorpes and Grimsby, attending Signhills infant and junior schools before moving on to Franklin Sixth Form College.
She studied her undergraduate degree in Modern History at the University of East Anglia before completing a Masters in Social and Public Policy at the University of Leeds.
Ms Cockburn-Logie started out her career as a press officer at the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office before moving up the ranks.
Her predecessor Catherine Quinn’s six-figure salary was met by Prince Charles, through his private income from the Duchy of Cornwall.
Miss Quinn took over from Rebecca Deacon, who left her post in 2017 after 10 years of service to the royal family.
Often seen standing discreetly behind her royal boss during engagements, Miss Deacon played an important role during the Duke and Duchess’ wedding.
Before joining William and Kate’s household Ms Deacon worked for Prince Harry’s charity Sentebale.
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