Prince of Wales hires ex-diplomat to top team after king’s cancer diagnosis

Ian Patrick, who has also worked for Lib Dems' Paddy Ashdown, takes private secretary role as prince returns to duties

The Prince of Wales has appointed a former diplomat as his private secretary, as he returns to royal duties after his father's cancer diagnosis.

Ian Patrick, who has also worked for the former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown, would take up the role, Kensington Palace said.