The job description of chief press officer to the Prince of Wales probably does not include “wrestling with reporters”.
But Kristina Kyriacou, the royal’s top media adviser, barely flinched when duty called as her protectee was confronted by the dogged Channel 4 reporter Michael Crick on Tuesday.
Crick – known for lobbing awkward questions at politicians while chasing them down the street with a large microphone – had decided to “doorstep” the prince as he arrived for a public engagement, hours before the court-enforced publication of his letters to government ministers.
But he reckoned without Kyriacou, who was on hand to body-block him as Charles stepped out of the car.
“Good morning, sir,” the reporter beamed, walking into Kyriacou as he thrust his microphone forward. “Are you worried about these letters?”
After a brief wobble, she shot her hand back towards the Channel 4 reporter. With a deft movement, she grabbed Crick’s boom mic, tore its foam windshield off and flung it on the floor, as Crick shouted: “Are you writing any more letters to minsters?”
Kyriacou is used to demanding clients, having worked for Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (formerly Cole) and Gary Barlow. She was appointed last year, reportedly after a personal intervention by Charles who was apparently impressed by her fierce loyalty.
But as important as Cole’s X Factor career or Take That’s comeback might be, it would be a stretch to say they had serious constitutional implications.
Still, job done: only when the group reached the safety of the Marks & Spencer store ahead did Kyriacou turn to face Crick, and gave him a winning smile.
“Yeah, and what?” the grin seemed to say.
