Top mentor to smooth path of royal bride-to-be

Sir David Manning, a seasoned diplomat who acts as an adviser to Princes William and Harry, will offer years of experience to Miss Middleton on a host of issues.

William’s fiancee will need mentoring on topics from matters of state to foreign affairs, as she takes on her role.

Sir David was then-Prime Minister Tony Blair’s key aide on foreign policy in the run-up to the 2003 Iraq war and was Britain’s ambassador to America for four years until 2007.

He was appointed as an adviser to the two princes in 2009 by the Queen, a move which followed a similar decision taken by her when, as Princess Elizabeth, she had an experienced general join her fledgling office before she ascended the throne.

Over Christmas Miss Middleton, 29, gave up her project managing role in her parents’ mail order company, which sells paraphernalia for parties and celebrations, to concentrate on her future in the Royal Family.

She has already begun “learning the ropes” of being a royal from her partner.

In December the couple attended a private charity fundraising event in Norfolk where she will have gained invaluable experience meeting and greeting people.

A St James’s Palace spokesman said: “Prince William’s private office will organise a series of private meetings with key individuals – including senior members of the Royal Household, key advisers to Prince William and Prince Harry and representatives from some of Prince William’s charities – for Miss Middleton to meet both before and after the marriage.”