The Private Secretary’s Office is responsible for supporting The Queen in her duties as Head of State.

The role of the Private Secretary
The current Private Secretary to The Queen is The Rt. Hon. Sir Christopher Geidt KCVO OBE who was appointed to his role in September 2007.

The Private Secretary is the channel of communication between the Head of State and the Government, not only in the United Kingdom but also in the 15 other realms of which The Queen is Sovereign.

The Private Secretary informs and advises The Queen on constitutional, governmental and political matters in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

He or she liaises with the Armed Forces, the Church and the many organisations of which Her Majesty is patron.

Other responsibilities include organising The Queen’s official programme at home and overseas; liaising with the Households of other members of the Royal Family; and dealing with The Queen’s official correspondence and correspondence with members of the public.

The Private Secretary prepares The Queen’s speeches and messages, and his/her office arranges photographs and official presents, portraits and messages of congratulation.

History of the role
The position of Private Secretary dates from the late nineteenth century, although George III and his two successors each had a Private Secretary for particular reasons.