Prince William And Kate Hire Italian Housekeeper

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have hired an Italian, Antonella Fresolone, as their housekeeper. Her appointment means they can look forward to meals of pasta and home-baked bread.

The 42-year-old Fresolone comes from Lamporecchio in Pistoia, Tuscany. She was one of Queen Elizabeth II’s most trusted servants and worked at Buckingham Palace for 13 years as one of Her Royal Highness’ three top housemaids. The Queen has lost Fresolone to her grandson and his wife as they get ready for the birth of their baby in July. The job of housekeeper to the young couple is one of the most coveted positions in the royal household. Fresolone beat dozens of applicants for the sought-after role, which was advertised in January 2013. British newspaper the ‘Express’ reports that an advertisement for chief of domestic staff to the Cambridges was posted at Buckingham Palace saying “discretion, loyalty and reliability” were paramount and stipulating that “Attention to detail, together with a flexible and pro-active approach is essential." Fresolone is understood to have started her new job a couple of weeks ago. She moved into the staff apartment at London’s Kensington Palace, which the Duke and Duchess are preparing to be their royal home. Fresolone will run their household – and even walk their dog, a cocker spaniel called ‘Lupo’. Her position involves cleaning the residence, doing the laundry, preparing meals, and caring for the royals’ clothing, glassware and silverware. Hours are said to be an average of 37 hours a week from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and the job is thought to pay £23,000 a year plus free accommodation. Fresolone is unmarried and has no children. The ‘Express’ reports that Fresolone is popular among her peers and “famed for her strong work ethic, dedication to the royal family and delicious Italian cooking.” A royal insider told the newspaper: “Antonella is renowned for being very hard working. She is extremely dedicated and fully intends for this job to become her whole life.”