Sir Clive Alderton, the most senior aide to King Charles III, has announced he will leave his role after 20 years in the Royal Household.
The 59-year-old will step down as Principal Private Secretary around May 2027, coinciding with his 60th birthday.
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Buckingham Palace said the timeline allows for a thorough search for a successor, considering both internal and external candidates.
A Career of Service
Alderton joined the Royal Household in 2006 as deputy private secretary to then-Prince Charles and Camilla.
He later served as UK ambassador to Morocco and Mauritania from 2012 to 2015 before returning to manage the monarch's private office.
During his tenure, Alderton oversaw the transition after Queen Elizabeth II's death and chaired the Coronation Committee for the May 6, 2023 ceremony.
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He also handled palace responses to royal scandals and navigated the King's 2024 cancer diagnosis.
Prince Harry referred to Alderton as "the wasp" in his 2023 memoir Spare, describing him as "charming, arrogant, a ball of jazzy energy."
In a statement, Alderton said it had been "the greatest imaginable honour" to serve the King and Queen through historic times, adding that his support would continue informally for life.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson expressed the King and Queen's deep gratitude for Alderton's "tireless support and wise counsel" and his loyalty in ensuring a smooth transition.
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After leaving his post, Alderton plans to spend more time with family and explore future professional pursuits.
