An investigation by The Times newspaper has revealed that The Queen’s most senior aide, Sir Christopher Geidt, was forced out of the job by the Prince of Wales in what the paper describes as a ‘power struggle.’
Buckingham Palace and the Prince of Wales are in the midst of a huge row over how best to manage the transition arrangements for when Prince Charles succeeds his mother as Monarch and becomes King.
The Queen’s former Private Secretary, Sir Christopher Geidt, left his position in July after complaints by both the Prince of Wales and Duke of York. The Times report that this was the ultimate climax between Buckingham Palace and Clarence Hosue.
The power struggle is thought to revolve around plans to make Prince Charles King, and his staff are keen to increase his royal role significantly by the time he turns 70-years-old next year.
Sources confirmed to The Times that these plans are referred to as “Project 70”.
Prince Andrew is reported to back his brother in this unprecedented row, helping remove Sir Christopher from his role as Private Secretary in July. Sources say that the sixth-in-line to the throne shares a great dislike to Sir Christopher in the same as his brother does.
One source says that this is because Andrew is still angry about being removed as trade ambassador a few years ago due to his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Others say it is because Sir Christopher heavily controlled Andrew’s expenditure.
You can read the full investigation in The Times by clicking here.
A wave of senior palace officials resigned from the royal household in the weeks after Sir Christopher left his role.
This included The Queen’s Assistant Private Secretary, Samantha Cohen who was widely seen in royal circles as Her Majesty’s No 3. She handed her notice in following the departure of Sir Christopher.
Reacting to the latest news, a joint statement by Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, and Kensington Palace read: “While we never comment on the confidential employment details of individuals, it was previously announced in July that Sir Christopher Geidt is stepping down after ten years as Private Secretary. At the time of the announcement, the Lord Chamberlain paid tribute to the major contribution made by Sir Christopher, who in turn commended the support offered to Her Majesty by other members of the royal family.
“Recent years have seen an ever-closer working relationship between all the different royal households and their respective teams. The Prince of Wales and the entire royal family are committed to supporting the Queen in whatever way they can at Her Majesty’s request. Beyond that, we are not going to engage with a story based on rumours from unnamed sources.”
Sir Christopher, who has been in the role for ten years, said at the time of his departure: “It has been my very great privilege to serve The Queen since the Golden Jubilee in 2002 and, especially, as her Private Secretary for the past decade. In that time, as throughout her Reign, Her Majesty’s authority has brought stability, purpose and colour to country and Commonwealth alike.
“With The Duke of Edinburgh’s recent decision to draw back from public life, The Queen’s own unwavering commitment as Sovereign has the full and active support of the entire Royal Family.
Sources from the Royal Household say that more resignations of senior staff in the Royal Households follow.
A senior source from the household, as reported by the Daily Mail, said that “Sir Christopher’s departure is just the beginning. Major changes are afoot. Yes, it is a shake-up.”
Oh dear. Two manipulative siblings dominating a 91 year old lady, for their own end. Their Royal Highnesses would do well to observe the secret of their mother’s success: duty, restraint and empathy, instead of manoeuvring to their own benefit.
HM has not achieved her wonderful reputation all on her own: she has subjected herself to the robust advice and restraint of professional officials; her sons should subscribe to the same discipline or continue to endure their declining popularity.
She will be a very difficult monarchical act to follow and equal undoubtedly!
Too bad Philip and Andrew have made a nasty problem for the Queen. I am not happy by the two “boys”!!
Charles and Andrew. 😉
If Charles succeeds it may well be the end of the monarchy as it’s been for the past 65 years. By all accounts, Charles will be about as appealing as his namesake, Charles I. I sit here, across the great Atlantic ditch, I acknowledge HMTQ as my sovereign, but (and I don’t think I’m alone in this) I will not be able to give such loyalty to a King Charles and I can see a republican future for Canada. I can also see a widespread rejection of Charles as head of the Commonwealth and the break=up of that body (unless the head can be voted on as coming from a head of state/government of the member states).
As for Andrew, well, I don’t think he adds a lot to the brand. I think he’s capitalised on his royal connections and his (very real war service) to add to his own wealth and stature.
Andrew has always struck me as a very selfish and self-centred royal. I share your conclusions!
Same in Australia too. Boundless affection for the Queen here but great suspicion towards Charles.
He and Diana came out here shortly after their marriage and Aussies fell hard for Diana; I think we’ve always harboured resentment that she was insufficiently supported by her husband and, as a result, we’re pretty cold on Charles. Probably entirely unfair but the court of public opinion turns on perception, however flawed.
I don’t believe people really know Charles as he is today. Personally I think he will make a Great King. I don’t rely on fake news to make my judgement calls, just good ole observations of a man who has a great deal of knowledge of Monarchy and who has proven himself worthy to ascend the throne.
Hear hear
People thought Trump would grow into the job of president. He didn’t. I don’t believe Charles will do any better growing into the King job. I will concede he did a good job with the boys but Diana had laid such a great foundation it would be hard to screw that up.
#1 Trump has only been in office 8 months, hardly time to make such a harsh judgement and #2 Charles has been groomed for the job his entire life. What are you talking about man??
Being groomed to be King and actually doing the job are two entirely different things. The great advantage HM had was succeeding to the throne at such a young age. Aside from the fact that times were very different in 1953, she was relatively young and people did not really know her very well. The PoW will come to the position carrying a lot of baggage, Camilla being one old bag that engenders strong, negative feelings, and a lot of pre-formed ideas and ingrained behaviours.
As far as Trump is concerned, if you think he or his antics will change the longer he occupies the office, you really don’t know Trump or his track record.
if Charles is not to be the next King, Buckingham Palace and Clarence Hosue must shut down. We can’t accept conspirators. who should be behind bar.
Charles will surely be a great king. But who wants to see Camilla in this picture? Duchess Wallis was accepted neither by the royal family nor by the government. Duchess Camilla is not accepted by the people.
new broom sweeps clean , happens all the time in Corporations . nothing new here either
If Charles becomes King, the British monarchy is dead.