Sir Clive Alderton has paid an emotional tribute to King Charles and Queen Camilla after announcing that he will step down as the monarch’s Principal Private Secretary next year.
In a message to Buckingham Palace staff, the King’s closest adviser reflected on more than 20 years of service to the Royal Household, describing it as “the greatest imaginable honour”.
Sir Clive said: “It has been the greatest imaginable honour to serve the King and Queen in my present role through such historic times and with unforgettable humour along the way.
“That support will continue, in a less formal capacity, for all of my life.”
His departure, expected in early summer 2027, will bring to an end one of the most influential careers behind Palace walls. Having first joined the then Prince of Wales’s Household in 2006, Sir Clive has become one of King Charles’s most trusted confidants, helping to guide the monarchy through a period of unprecedented change.
During his time as Principal Private Secretary, Sir Clive has overseen the King’s transition from Prince of Wales to sovereign, played a leading role in planning the Coronation in 2023 and helped shape the Royal Household during the King’s cancer treatment.
Buckingham Palace said the King and Queen were “deeply grateful” for Sir Clive’s years of dedicated service.
A Palace spokesman said: “Their Majesties are 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.”
Although Sir Clive will leave his formal role next year, he is expected to continue offering advice to the King and Queen in an informal capacity when called upon.
Buckingham Palace has begun the search for Sir Clive’s successor, with candidates expected to be considered from both within the Royal Household and the wider public and private sectors.
For King Charles, the departure marks the end of an era. Sir Clive has been at the monarch’s side throughout some of the defining moments of his reign, and his promise that his support “will continue… for all of my life” underlines the enduring relationship between the King and one of his most trusted advisers.
