Sir Clive Alderton, who has served the Royal Household for 20 years and currently serves as principal private secretary to King Charles and Queen Camilla, will step down next year, coinciding with his 60th birthday in May 2027. This triggers a search for someone to take on one of the most demanding roles in the Royal Household, overseeing the monarch's official business while acting as a key adviser to the King and Queen.
In a message to staff, 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.”
The Role of Principal Private Secretary
The King's principal private secretary requires a combination of constitutional expertise, diplomatic experience and personal discretion, as they must be across all official work of the monarch, as well as many private matters. This behind-the-scenes figure takes on responsibility for everything from speeches and correspondence to official presents and congratulatory messages to members of the public, according to the Royal Family’s website.
The role requires extensive knowledge of the politics, history and culture of not only the United Kingdom but also the 14 other realms where the King is head of state, including Australia, New Zealand and Canada. A strong understanding of the Church of England is also essential, as is knowledge of military affairs, reflecting the sovereign's role as head of the armed forces.
Handling Sensitive Family Matters
On a personal level, the position also demands the ability to handle sensitive family matters with discretion. As a source told the Times, this can include offering guidance to the monarch when difficulties arise involving "a brother or perhaps a son."
According to the publication, Sir Clive received a remuneration package of approximately £300,000 per year, although the only guaranteed break in the working week for the principal secretary is a single hour on Sundays while the King and Queen attend church.
A Key Figure in Royal Events
The role of the principal private secretary is arguably the most important in the Royal Household, with the individual seen by the King’s side at almost all events. Sir Clive was most notably seen supporting the monarch when he formed part of the walking procession behind the coffin during the state funeral of Elizabeth II in 2022.
Former royal correspondent and author of Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown, Valentine Low previously spoke of the demands of the job, giving an insight into the world of the royals' right-hand staff. "They're the machinery of the palace," Low said during an appearance on HELLO!'s podcast in 2024. "They organise their public life, engagements, they're their gatekeeper, they determine who gets to see the member of the royal family, they write speeches, they advise, they advise on policy, and they're also a constant companion. They are with them a lot of the time."
Sir Clive's Career and Achievements
Sir Clive has been one of the most influential figures in the British Royal Household for 20 years. He first joined Charles's household in 2006 as Deputy Private Secretary when Charles was Prince of Wales, before being promoted to Principal Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall in 2015, becoming Charles's most senior aide.
During his time as the King’s principal private secretary, he has led the monarch through his cancer diagnosis and many incoming and outgoing state visits, including his trip to Washington DC to meet US president Donald Trump, where Charles delivered an historic address to Congress. Alderton has also steered the King through more personal matters, helping to manage the fallout of Prince Harry and Meghan quitting their royal roles.
