International- Kate Middleton hired Alice Corfield as her personal secretary to "shake things up," The Sunday Times reported.
- Corfield previously directed the child obesity and free school meals campaign for chef Jamie Oliver.
Public relations specialist Alice Corfield has been chosen as Kate Middleton's private secretary in an attempt to "shake things up" at Kensington Palace, The Sunday Times reports. Corfield will serve as Kate's most senior aide in this position.
Prior to working for Middleton, 51-year-old Corfield spearheaded chef Jamie Oliver's childhood obesity and free school meals campaigns.
"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," a source who worked with Corfield on Oliver's campaign told The Sunday Times.
Royal sources told the outlet that Corfield is "unconventional," but aligns with palace rejuvenation efforts.
"Alison is an unusual fit," one royal source told The Sunday Times. "She is a bit out there for Kensington Palace, but there is a move to recruit more modernizers and people with private-sector experience, not just civil servants. She will run rings around the courtiers and shake things up a bit."
According to The Sunday Times, Corfield has also worked with Labour MP Stella Creasy on the MotheRED campaign, a recent initiative aimed at recruiting more mothers as Labour politicians.
"She will be a massive breath of fresh air at Kensington Palace. She is loud, tons of fun and full of energy and enthusiasm," another royal source said, according to The Sunday Times.
Kensington Palace declined Insider's request for comment.
Corfield will be replacing former diplomat Hannah Cockburn-Logie, who left the role last year after serving nearly three years as Middleton's personal secretary, per the Telegraph.
On Tuesday, Middleton launched Shaping Us, a new long-term campaign that will raise public awareness about the importance of early childhood development. The Princess made the announcement at a launch event at BAFTA in London, according to Town and Country Magazine.
"It is essential, to not only understand the unique importance of our earliest years, but to know what we can all do to help raise future generations of happy, healthy adults," Kate said in a speech, Town and Country Magazine reported.