King Charles and Queen Camilla have appointed a female crown equerry to take charge of the Royal Mews.
For the first time, a woman will hold one of the most senior roles in the royal household, overseeing all the royal transport.
Colonel Erica Bridge, 52, was picked by the King and Queen, who interviewed a series of candidates for the position.
Mrs Bridge will take up her position in the spring, currently serving as the defence attache at the UK embassy in Rome.
She will step into the role currently held by Colonel Toby Browne, 70, who is retiring after 15 years in the job.
The crown equerry “meets the official and private requirements of the Royal Family at the highest level”.
They are responsible for providing carriage processions at ceremonial occasions and for the royal’s chauffeur-driven car.
The equerry also takes charge of the training and care of the Royal Mews horses and staff.
Colonel Toby Browne is retiring after 15 years in the position
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PA
The Royal Mews will move from London to Windsor, where it has been based at Buckingham Palace for 200 years.
It is understood that the move is primarily due to logistical reasons because senior members of the Royal Family no longer live in London.
Buckingham Palace no longer serves as the monarch’s London residence, as it is currently undergoing a £369million renovation.
The King has his private office at the Palace, but he and Camilla reside at Clarence House when they are in London.
It is understood that the move from Buckingham Palace is primarily due to logistical reasons
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GETTYThey are not expected to move into the Palace, even when the refurbishment work is completed.
The Royal Family shone a light on sole traders working at Buckingham Palace as part of Small Business Saturday on December 6.
The event encouraged the nation to show its support for independent firms by “spending locally and shopping small”.
Sharing a message on social media, the royals’ Instagram story read: “To mark Small Business Saturday, we’re saying thank you to the small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) behind the Buckingham Palace Reservicing Programme.
“Over 220 sole traders and SMEs have helped replace essential services at the Palace.”
The Royal Family highlighted the work of: “Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, steel workers, art handlers, demolition specialists, architects, lead roofers, plasterers, stonemasons.”
They continued: “Their work ensures Buckingham Palace is fit for future generations to enjoy.”
Small businesses in the UK employ 60 per cent of the UK workforce and generate £2.8trillion in turnover.