Sophie Rhys-Jones, girlfriend to Prince Edward, is to leave the PR
agency MacLaurin Media and Communication and set up as an events
consultant in the New Year.
Her decision to leave the firm now will fuel speculation that an
announcement about a royal engagement is on the cards. It is understood
that Rhys-Jones has felt increasingly uncomfortable handling press
relations in her PR role - given media interest in her own situation -
and wants to ‘pull back from the front line.’
MCM managing director Brian McLaurin said: ‘Sophie has been a great
asset to the company. We’ll keep in close touch and hope her new career
is successful.’
Rhys-Jones has worked at MCM since July 1993, when she joined as an
account executive. In her new role she will handle events-related work
for the charity Baby Lifeline and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award - both
have been her clients at MCM. In addition she is to take on business
from the upmarket catering company Searcy’s, caterers to royal
households.
Rhys-Jones met Prince Edward through her work with MCM. The agency was
organising a photocall with the Prince and the former tennis star Sue
Barker for a commercial radio charity push. Barker pulled out at the
last moment and Rhys-Jones stood-in.
