2 JULY 2003
It seems there's something of a changing of the guard among royal employees, as news broke of the Queen's historic appointment of a female butler and the resignation of Prince Charles' press secretary.

Although the name of the new under-butler has still not been released, she was apparently selected for her "discretion and trustworthiness".

"She got the job on merit," explained a spokesperson for the Queen. "She was the best person for the job and we are delighted."

The newest member of the royal household, who joined its staff just one year prior to this latest posting, previously worked as a warden with the royal collection in the new Queen' Gallery. She will be responsible for maintaining the glasses at state banquets and assisting the Queen's 13 footmen.

Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales was reported to be "stunned" by the resignation of his press secretary Colleen Harris on the day a new campaign to improve his public image kicked off. Mrs Harris, who was the first senior black aide at St James's Palace, announced that she wants to spend more time with her two children aged 12 and 14.

"It's been wonderful working for the Prince, who is a very special person. I've loved every second of it, but I love my children as well," she explained. "There's no scandal and no bad feeling. It's just time to move on. It's been a very difficult decision, but I'm ready for a change. I want a job where I can be a t home in the morning when my children get up and at home in the evening when they go to bed."

Mrs Harris, who has been with the Prince since 1998 and has a reputation for straight speaking, will continue in her post until the autumn.