Just another royal perk! Not many people know that Kate Middleton has her own lady-in-waiting who helps tend to the Duchess’ every want and need. So, who is Kate’s right-hand woman and what exactly does she do as part of her job? Scroll down to see everything you need to know about the special role!

What is a lady-in-waiting?

The lady-in-waiting role dates back centuries and every queen or princess in a royal family typically has one. Basically, the woman — who is usually British nobility or comes from a “good society” family — acts as a personal assistant and is definitely thought of as more of a companion than an employee. They are historically chosen by the princess or queen herself, the royal family, or both. Watch the video below for more info on ladies-in-waiting!

Who is Kate Middleton’s lady-in-waiting?

When Kate married into the royal family back in April 2011, it was heavily rumored that her younger sister, Pippa Middleton, might take on the coveted role. But, Prince George and Princess Charlotte‘s mom reportedly did not even want to have a lady-in-waiting as part of her “no frills” approach to being a royal.

In fact, Kate allegedly did not have a lady-in-waiting accompany her on her first post-wedding royal tour of Canada and California back in July 2011. “Kate is very low maintenance. She said she doesn’t want a lady-in-waiting. That may change but she’ll see how she copes on this tour,” a source told the Daily Mail at the time.

kate middleton rebecca deacon getty images

Kate with her former lady-in-waiting, Rebecca. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

However, in 2012, Kate did get her own lady-in-waiting, Rebecca Deacon! “She is the perfect companion because she is similar in age to Kate, is very organized, and has lovely manners,” an insider previously told The Mirror. As the Duchess’ right-hand woman, Rebecca was primarily responsible for planning the mom-of-two’s busy schedule and accompanying her on all royal tours.

What happened to Rebecca Deacon?

Rebecca announced she was leaving her position as Kate’s lady-in-waiting in March 2017. “After a decade of service to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, Rebecca Deacon will be stepping down as Private Secretary to The Duchess of Cambridge,” a statement released by Kensington Palace read. “Their Royal Highnesses are incredibly grateful for all the hard work and support Rebecca has provided over the past ten years, and wish her well in the next phase of her career.” Rebecca reportedly left the position because she got married and wanted to explore new job opportunities.

catherine quinn getty images

Catherine at a royal event in October 2017. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Who is Catherine Quinn?

On Monday, July 31 it was announced that Kate had hired a new lady-in-waiting to be Rebecca’s replacement. Kensington Palace revealed Catherine Quinn — the former Chief Operating Officer and Associate Dean for Administration at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School — would be the Duchess’ new personal assistant starting in October 2017. On Tuesday, Oct. 31, Catherine was publicly spotted with Kate for the first time during the Duchess’ visit to London’s National Tennis Centre. According to the Daily Mail, Catherine’s “heavyweight appointment suggests [Kate] plans to carve out a more serious role for herself with her patronages and charity campaigning” in the future.

Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Prince William, and all things royal!