'Steely' Kate gives 'clear sign' of royal ambition with behind-the-scenes change

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'Steely' Kate gives 'clear sign' of royal ambition with behind-the-scenes change

The Princess of Wales may come across as "warm and gentle" but also has a "steely determination", a royal source has claimed.

Kate has seen her profile rise since she was granted her elevated title and last week launched her eagerly-awaited early years campaign Shaping Us.

It has also emerged that she has appointed Alison Corfield as her brand new right-hand woman with the brand management expert described as a "straight-talker" and a "ball-breaker", who will shake things up at Kensington Palace.

And according to a source, it's clear to see Kate's ambitions through the hiring of this new private secretary.

'Steely' Kate gives 'clear sign' of royal ambition with behind-the-scenes change qhiddziddxiqrkinvKate has recently launched a new early years campaign (Getty Images)

They told The Telegraph that Kate is aware of her power and potential thanks to her position and is "at her core" full of "steely determination".

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The source added: "You can often see the ambitions of individual members of the Royal family by the hires that they make.

“What the Princess of Wales is doing is a very clear sign that she is redefining herself now that she has this new role.

'Steely' Kate gives 'clear sign' of royal ambition with behind-the-scenes changeKate greets wellwishers in Leeds last week (Getty Images)

"The role of heir, or wife of the heir, brings opportunities and also responsibilities as you represent the monarchy not only around the country but also around the world. She has a greater platform now, so she needs the right team to deliver for her."

Ms Corfield, a 51-year-old mother-of-three is set to be Kate's most senior aide when she starts her new role.

She is a former air stewardess and previously worked for TV chef Jamie Oliver as his head of campaigns, where she masterminded his campaigns against childhood obesity and reducing junk food in schools.

'Steely' Kate gives 'clear sign' of royal ambition with behind-the-scenes changeKate with husband Prince William (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Ms Corfield replaces Kate's former private secretary and Foreign and Commonwealth Office diplomat Hannah Cockburn-Logie, who stepped down from her role last autumn after the death of the late Queen.

A source who previously worked with her told the Sunday Times: "She's a ball-breaker, a real straight-talker, very passionate, dynamic and genuinely funny. She makes things happen and will really push things forward at the palace."

Her appointment comes as Kate last week launched her Shaping Us campaign, an ambitious project described as her "life’s work" and aimed at raising the profile of the early years' development of children.

A royal source also told the newspaper: "Alison is an unusual fit. She is a bit out there for Kensington Palace, but there is a move to recruit more modernisers and people with private sector experience, not just civil servants. She will run rings around the courtiers and shake things up a bit."

Jennifer Newton

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