Officials at the
Ministry of Defence suggested a list of possible
candidates for the position but the final
decision to appoint Sqn Ldr Casebury was made by
the Prince and the Duchess of Cornwall
themselves. Sqn Ldr Casebury, who attended St
Paul's Church of England Junior School and
Prescot School, went on to read English
Literature at Loughborough University before
qualifying as a teacher.
Last night Derek
Baker, deputy head at Prescot School, said:
"We're all incredibly proud of Jayne's new
position and wish her all the best. I taught
Jayne science while she was a pupil here. She was
pleasant, respectful and very very bright. I knew
then that she would succeed at whatever she chose
to do."
In 1995 Miss
Casebury joined the Royal Air Force as an RAF
training officer. While there she covered
training management, design and delivery and has
served at various locations across the UK,
including the Ministry of Defence in London.
During her military career she has also commanded
the Airmen's Command Squadron at RAF Halton. She
is now based in London at Clarence House but
still has family in the Rainhill area.
She met the Prince
of Wales before gaining her new Royal role as
equerry and yesterday a spokeswoman for Clarence
House said she is expected to be introduced to
Princes William and Harry when they next return
home from Sandhurst. The spokeswoman said:
"We are delighted that Miss Casebury has
joined the team at Clarence House. The Prince of
Wales met with Squadron Leader Casebury before
her appointment. It is not quite an interview
situation but an opportunity for the Prince to
meet the candidates put forward by the Ministry
of Defence. She is a great addition and we are
sure that she is the best person for the
job."
Sqn Ldr Casebury
takes over from the Prince of Wales' former
equerry, Wing Commander Richard Prattle, who is
leaving after two years. Before beginning the
post in full in April the squadron leader will
undergo a training programme to understand the
nuances of the role in the royal ranks. The
appointment of equerry is a military one which is
invariably filled by a serving or retired
officer. Although women have filled the role of
equerry for other members of the royal family,
this will be the first time a woman has been
chosen for Prince Charles.
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