Meghan's assistant private secretary set to leave post after birth of royal baby

Duchess Meghan is set to lose a key member of her staff soon, as her assistant private secretary is to leave her role, to spend some time abroad.

Amy Pickerill, who has been Meghan's right-hand woman ever since she joined the royal family, is reported to be leaving her post in the next few months, according to various royal reporters.

Amy is currently one of the Duchess' closest aides, regularly appearing by her side at royal engagements.

While it's thought she has plenty to do with planning the royal's appearances, Amy also takes part in more practical duties when out with Meghan, including taking gifts and bouquets of flowers off her hands during walkabouts.

Harpers Bazaar report that she will be leaving Kensington Palace after the birth of Meghan and Harry's baby, and after the new family move into their home at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.

A royal source told them, "The Duchess will be very sad to see her go, but is excited for her as Amy has exciting plans ahead including spending some time abroad.

"They will definitely stay in touch and Amy will be on hand for any advice and help that is needed in the future."

Royal reporter Rebecca English also explained that the pair are "very close", and so will stay in touch.

The publication also reported that Meghan's assistant private secretary had planned to stay until the end of 2019, but ahead of the birth of the royal couple's baby, it made more sense for her to help recruit a replacement now, who can step in when Meghan gets back from her maternity leave.

And with baby Sussex thought to be arriving at the end of April, it seems that Amy will need to act quickly to find Meghan a new right-hand woman.

Amy Pickerill has worked with the royal family for years now, first joining Kensington Palace as a press spokesperson.

The new of her departure comes after it was rumoured that Meghan will be losing other key members of staff too. Just a few months ago, Meghan's personal protection officer left her post.

And it's also rumoured that Samantha Cohen, the Queen's former assistant private secretary, will be leaving her position as Harry and Meghan's private secretary later this year - having only been drafted in temporarily to help the Duchess adjust to her new life as a royal.