King Charles' household aide who played 'critical' role steps aside after 20 years

King Charles's household aide will step aside from his position after spending 20 years working for the royal family.

This year marked two decades of service for Sir Clive Alderton, after 11 years as Principal Private Secretary - both to the King and late Queen Elizabeth. Before his departure, he was Charles's most senior aide.

Clive has served the royal household since 2006, including a three-year stint as an ambassador. He has decided to step aside from the position around the summer of 2027, HELLO! understands, which will allow plenty of time to recruit his replacement.

It is expected that the recruitment process will aim to identify only the highest calibre candidates. Clive's departure is set to coincide with his 60th birthday, which is in May. 

This will also provide sufficient time for him to provide an adequate handover to the individual taking over his post. He is said to have played "an immense and critical" role in support of Their Majesties over the course of his 20 years working for the family.

Part of his job involved years of planning for Accession, chairing the Coronation Committee, and managing the significant first years of the new reign.

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Reflecting on his time in the job, 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."

For now, he will continue to work in the Household and provide support where necessary to implement a new Principal Private Secretary.

His plan post-departure will be to focus on spending more time with his own family as well as looking towards his next steps.

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A palace spokesperson said 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."

He is credited with overseeing then-Prince Charles' transition to King, including planning the Coronation on 6 May 2023. He also supported outgoing state visits such as the King's recent visit to Donald Trump in the US. Clive also was a key player in helping the Palace navigate the King's agenda following his cancer diagnosis.