Meghan Markle may not be a member of the royal family yet but she has already been given a right-hand woman to help with her official programme.

Former Kensington Palace press officer Amy Pickerill is now an assistant private secretary in Prince Harry’s office working on Ms Markle’s official diary.

Ms Markle has already carried out four public visits with fiance Prince Harry and during the most recent event, a trip to Edinburgh earlier in February, was photographed next to Ms Pickerill who was holding a bouquet of tulips that had been given to the US actress by a well-wisher.

Meghan, pictured during her recent visit to Scotland, will be helped by royal aide Amy Pickerill in planning her official diary. (Jane Barlow/PA)
Meghan, pictured during her recent visit to Scotland, will be helped by royal aide Amy Pickerill in planning her official diary. (Jane Barlow/PA)

Harry’s fiancee has also been carrying out private fact finding trips to organisations to get to know the UK charity sector and Ms Pickerill is likely to have been involved in organising the visits.

Her role will not only involve planning Ms Markle’s diary but handling any official correspondence she may receive.

During public events Ms Pickerill will be on hand to collect gifts, given to Harry’s bride-to-be, and be a point of contact for organisers or officials.

Royal aide Amy Pickerill (left) looks on as Meghan Markle and Prince Harry meet well-wishers during their recent visit to Edinburgh. (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Royal aide Amy Pickerill (left) looks on as Meghan Markle and Prince Harry meet well-wishers during their recent visit to Edinburgh. (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Ms Pickerill was a senior communications officer working for the households of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry before joining Harry’s office.

The former Nottingham University history graduate has previously worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland in a number of roles in the press office department.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said Ms Pickerill “will be working on Meghan Markle’s programme”.