Bernie Flannery, described as “the most loyal of the loyal”, is stepping down as the King’s Household undergoes a period of change.
One of King Charles’s longest-serving and most trusted members of staff has retired after more than four decades of service to the Royal Household.
Bernie Flannery, the King’s longtime butler, has stepped down from his role this weekend, bringing to an end a career that has spanned some of the most significant moments in modern royal history.
The news was revealed by royal author Robert Jobson, who paid tribute to Mr Flannery, describing him as “the most loyal of the loyal” after more than 40 years of service.
Mr Flannery began his royal career aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia before joining the then Prince of Wales’s personal staff in the early 1990s.
His loyalty was put to the test following the separation of the then Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales. According to royal accounts, both wished him to remain in their households, but he ultimately continued serving Charles.
Throughout his career, Mr Flannery witnessed many defining moments for the Royal Family, including the breakdown of Charles and Diana’s marriage, the death of Queen Elizabeth II and Charles’s accession to the throne.
Despite working at the heart of the monarchy, he maintained an exceptionally low public profile throughout his career, rarely appearing in the headlines.
His retirement comes at a time of significant transition within the King’s Household.
Last month it was announced that Sir Clive Alderton, the King’s Principal Private Secretary, will step down from his role during 2027 after around two decades of service. Sir Clive has been widely credited with helping guide both King Charles and Queen Camilla through the transition from heir to sovereign and the early years of the new reign.
Reflecting on his own departure, Sir Clive said it had been “the greatest imaginable honour” to serve Their Majesties during such historic times, adding that his support for the King and Queen would continue in a less formal capacity.
The departures of both Mr Flannery and Sir Clive mark the beginning of a notable changing of the guard around the King as he continues his reign with a gradually evolving senior Household team.
The King’s retirement plans are rather more immediate. Following a busy run of summer engagements, including a visit to Dingwall in the Scottish Highlands, Charles is now expected to spend time at Balmoral for his annual summer break before returning to public duties later this month.
