Prince Charles’s top PR man is quitting his royal post to set up his own communications consultancy.
Paddy Harverson — the man credited with reinventing the prince’s public image — is joining up with one of Google’s senior executives, DJ Collins.
Mr Harverson, often seen on television as the royals’ public face, leaves his role as communication secretary at Clarence House in the spring.
His deputy Patrick Harrison, who was in charge of media on the prince’s recent tour of Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand, is expected to take the role.
Mr Harverson, a former Financial Times sports writer and Manchester United communications director, joined Clarence House in 2003 at an uncertain time for Charles.He was charged with changing the public perception of the then Camilla Parker Bowles and oversaw the PR for her wedding to Charles in 2005.
He was also central in dealing with the News of the World hacking scandal when it emerged Prince William and Prince Harry’s phone messages had been intercepted.
He formed close relations with the young princes and was pictured in Lesotho ruffling Harry’s hair.
Last year Mr Harverson was named “PR Professional of the year” by PR Week and was credited with orchestrating the coverage of William and Kate’s wedding.
It was seen as no mean feat to strike a balance between making the public feel involved in the story and guarding the royal couple’s privacy and security — all while managing the reputation of the monarchy.
He was praised at the time by his new business partner Mr Collins, the vice-president, public policy and communications for Europe, the Middle East and Asia at Google. He said: “Paddy has guided expertly the public presentation of Prince Charles and his family for years.”
Many felt Mr Harverson would stay at Clarence House as Charles trusted him and depended on him. But with William and Kate establishing their own court at Kensington Palace, with former ITN man Ed Perkins as their new press secretary, insiders said Mr Harverson felt it was time for a new challenge.
