An
aide-de-camp ( or ;
French expression meaning literally
helper in the [military] camp) is a personal assistant or secretary to a person of high rank, usually a senior military, police or government officer, a member of a royal family, or a
head of state. This is not to be confused with an
adjutant, who is the senior administrator of a military unit. The first
aide-de-camp is typically the foremost personal aide.