King Charles’s Right-Hand Man Sir Clive Alderton to Step Down After 20 Years

Sir Clive Alderton, the King Charles and Queen Camilla’s principal private secretary and one of the most influential figures in the Royal Household, will step down next year when he turns 60. His departure ends two decades at the centre of Charles’s court.

Alderton joined the household in 2006, became principal private secretary in 2015 and helped steer it through Charles’s accession, the Coronation and the King’s cancer diagnosis. A former diplomat, he had previously served in Poland, Belgium, Singapore, France and Morocco.

But his legacy is inseparable from the Sussex conflict. In Spare, Prince Harry is widely believed to have described Alderton as “The Wasp,” a courtier who appeared polite and self-effacing before striking back when challenged. Alderton later became associated with the palace faction accused of resisting reconciliation between Harry and King Charles and faced scrutiny over his role in security decisions affecting the Duke.

That history makes his departure more than a routine staffing change. It raises questions about whether Charles is simply replacing a trusted aide or quietly closing the chapter on one of the most divisive figures of his reign.

The King’s right-hand man, who masterminded his Coronation and steered the monarchy through recent family troubles, is to step down from his role at Buckingham Palace after 20 years.

Sir Clive Alderton, principal private secretary to the King and Queen, will leave his role next year, around the time of his 60th birthday.

A palace spokesman said that the King and Queen were “deeply grateful to Clive for his tireless support and wise counsel over the years, and for the enduring loyalty that will ensure a smooth transition to his successor”.

The Telegraph

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Alderton’s Exit Could Open a Door—But Will Charles Walk Through It?

Clive Alderton’s reported departure could matter far beyond a routine palace staffing change. Previous reporting has suggested Buckingham Palace was divided over how to handle Prince Harry and Meghan, with Alderton allegedly favouring continued distance while other advisers pushed for reconciliation.

That is why the timing is so interesting. Removing one of the figures associated with the palace’s hardline approach could create space for a different strategy, especially if King Charles wants to repair his relationship with Harry while he still can.

Still, I would not assume one resignation changes the institution overnight. Senior courtiers often retain influence, move into advisory roles or continue benefiting from royal connections long after formally leaving their posts. Alderton may be departing, but the culture of anonymous briefings and hostility towards the Sussexes will not disappear with one man.

The real test will come after Alderton leaves. As Charles and Camilla’s representative on RAVEC, he currently has a direct role in discussions affecting royal security. When he steps down, that seat is expected to pass to his successor as the King’s principal private secretary.

That makes the appointment especially significant. Will the next adviser continue the same hardline approach, or support a less hostile relationship with Harry? Alderton’s departure may create an opening, but Charles must decide: whom will he choose as the replacement, and is he willing to use that moment to reconcile?