Princes' aide to leave his post

Prince William is to start full-time training to become a rescue pilot

A senior aide to Prince William and Prince Harry is to leave his post at Christmas because he will no longer have enough to do.

Geoffrey Matthews will stop working as the princes' project private secretary, in the wake of Prince William's decision to become an RAF rescue pilot.

After that announcement in September, Mr Matthews was left without enough work, according to Clarence House.

He was previously an Irish Guards officer and a management consultant.

A spokesman said: "Following Prince William's announcement that he is to begin training to become a full-time search and rescue pilot at Christmas, it became clear that certain projects with which Geoffrey Matthews would have been involved have been postponed.

"There is simply not going to be enough for Geoffrey to do over the next few years.

"The Household and Geoffrey have therefore decided that Geoffrey will leave at Christmas."

Mr Matthews will remain as a trustee of Sentebale, a charity launched by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to provide support to that kingdom's vulnerable children.

As well as previous experience as an Irish Guards infantry officer and a consultant with McKinsey & Company, he has been managing director of the National Gallery's trading arm.