NEWS

Royal couple shun larger entourage

15th June 2011

(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine are taking just seven members of staff on their tour of Canada and America.

The couple were made the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they wed in April. They are due to begin their first official oversees trip as man and wife at the end of the month, and details about it have now been released by St. James's Palace.

The pair have decided against taking vast numbers of helpers with them, with the seven staff who will accompany them including two press secretaries and two private secretaries to ensure they stick to their timetable and that correct protocol is followed.

Catherine has decided against taking a dresser with her as many female members of the royal family usually do, but will have her personal hairdresser on hand. She will also not have a lady-in-waiting. The final spots will be taken by other secretaries.

"The entourage is designed, whoever it is, according to requirements of the tour and we've just followed that principle really," private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who will be travelling with the couple, told MailOnline.

"In that, actually having done a pretty careful analysis, we've kept it as tight as we possibly can.

"But we've been mindful of the fact [this is] the duchess' first tour and she needs to be properly supported so she doesn't have to worry about stuff other than core matters."

The main event of the 11 day trip will be a black tie reception during which the duke and duchess will draw attention to UK creative talent, such as in movies and TV. (C) Cover Media

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