Clive Alderton resignation: King’s most senior aide to step down after 20 years with royal household

Sir Clive Alderton, King Charles’ most senior aide, has announced that he will leave his post next year.

Sir Clive is principal private secretary to Charles and Queen Camilla.

His resignation will coincide with his 60th birthday in May and comes 20 years after he first joined the royal family.

In a message to staff, he said: “It has been the greatest honor imaginable to serve the King and Queen in my current role during such historic times and with an unforgettable sense of humor along the way.

“This support will continue throughout my life in a less formal capacity.”

Sir Clive was a diplomat before joining the royal family. He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1986 and served in Belgium, France, Poland and Singapore.

In 2006, she was appointed assistant private secretary to Charles and Camilla, then to the Prince and Princess of Wales, and then the couple’s principal private secretary in 2015.

Sir Clive was appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order at the 2013 New Year Ceremonies, a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order at the 2019 Birthday Ceremonies and a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order at the 2022 Birthday Ceremonies.

He is also a member of the Privy Council and a trustee of the King Charles III Relief Fund, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Relief Fund.