Who is Samantha Cohen? Meet the Aussie who will teach Meghan Markle to be an effective royal

AN AUSTRALIAN aide who is the Queen’s assistant private secretary will now help the former actor transition into royal life.

LEARNING to be a royal is not an easy task, but thankfully the new Duchess of Sussex will be taught by one of the Queen’s senior aides.

Former actor Meghan Markle will have lessons from Australian Samantha Cohen for six months to prepare for her new life, but what do we know about the professional?

Samantha Cohen has reportedly agreed to stay on for a further six months to train up Meghan.

WHO IS SAMANTHA COHEN?

The 49-year-old is the monarch’s assistant private secretary, and will move from Buckingham Palace to Kensington Palace.

Originally from Brisbane, the mum-of-three worked in public relations before joining the Buckingham Palace press office in 2001. She went on to rise to the private office at the palace.

Samantha handed in her notice last September, but it has been reported she has agreed to stay on as interim private secretary for a further six months, and won’t be leaving in the summer as planned.

She had decided to leave following the ousting of Sir Christopher Geidt, the Queen’s private secretary, who announced his resignation last July after 15 years in service.

She is said to have played a key role in prepping Meghan for Prince Charles’s 70th birthday party at Buckingham Palace — her first appearance as the Duchess of Sussex.

Samantha Cohen is the assistant private secretary to Queen Elizabeth II.

Meghan is now known as the Duchess of Sussex. Picture: Dominic Lipinski

WHAT WILL SAMANTHA COHEN TEACH MEGHAN?

It is thought Meghan will spend six months with her, learning how to be an effective member of “The Firm” after marrying Harry.

Samantha will work as an interim private secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Kensington Palace.

A source told The Times: “It will be six months of listening.

“She is seeking out advice from a range of people. She is going to proceed with humility. It is not going to be quiet, though. It is going to be a very busy office.

“She has worked every day of her life. She is used to a demanding schedule.”

Meghan plans to tour the country for the rest of the year meeting charitable organisations.

Meghan is expected to tour the country for the rest of the year meeting charities.

WHO ELSE ADVISES MEGHAN AND HARRY?

As well as resourceful Samantha Cohen, another key member of the team is Edward Lane Fox.

Edward previously worked as an Army officer, and left as a captain in 2006.

Now he works as Harry’s private secretary, although his time is nearing an end, after promising his family he would do it for a maximum five years due to the long hours.

American Jason Knauf is the communications and PR guru at Kensington Palace, who has been in charge of handling the press for two babies and a wedding.

He is also said to have handled Meghan’s alleged media harassment and Thomas Markle’s decision to not attend the wedding.

Amy Pickerill works as an assistant private secretary, with responsibilities now for the Duchess.

She moved from the royal press office, and previously worked as head of campaigns at the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Sir David Manning, who is the former British ambassador to Washington, advises Prince William and Prince Harry on foreign affairs.

He can often be seen on their overseas trips.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their first official outing as husband and wife. Picture: Mega

This article originally appeared on The Sun and is republished with permission