New Assistant Private Secretary to The Queen

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY THE PRESS SECRETARY TO THE QUEEN

The Queen has appointed Mr. Douglas King to be the Assistant Private Secretary to Her Majesty.

Mr. King will take up his appointment in September 2007.

Background

Mr. King, who is 51, is currently studying at the Royal College of Defence Studies. He was until recently Director of Employment Framework in the Ministry of Defence. Having joined the Civil Service in 1974, he has undertaken a number of senior roles, including that of Deputy Command Secretary at Headquarters RAF Strike Command. Mr. King was Private Secretary to the Minister for the Armed Forces between 1995 and 1999.

Mr. King will succeed Mr. Edward Young, who will become the Deputy Private Secretary from September.

Mr. Christopher Geidt, the current Deputy Private Secretary, will succeed Sir Robin Janvrin on his retirement as Private Secretary in September.