Royal expert and author Lady Colin Campbell has dismissed suggestions that Sir Clive Alderton's retirement will benefit Prince Harry, after TalkTV presenter Samara Gill wondered whether Harry might triumph from the change.
Speaking to Gill, Lady Campbell said: "I don't think so for a second. First of all, Clive Alderton hasn't left yet; he's not leaving for a year. Secondly, all Harry is going to need to do is hear no from Theo Ryecroft four times before he decides he's the latest enemy, and so that's going to inevitably happen."
Latest enemy warning
She speculated that this new appointment will face similar challenges with Harry. "Harry would like to believe that his father and his grandmother would love to do whatever he wants, but they are prevented by mean, horrid members of staff," she said.
"The mean, horrid members of staff implement their wishes," she added. "The King doesn't want Harry back."
Aide was seen as a barrier
Prince Harry was scathing about Sir Clive in his memoir Spare, dubbing him "The Wasp". It is thought that Harry viewed Sir Clive as a barrier to mending fences with the King over recent years.
However, a royal insider refuted this, stating that only Harry and the monarch themselves could directly influence any reconciliation.
Sir Clive to step down in May
Sir Clive, who serves as the principal private secretary to the King and Queen, is set to step down from his role in May next year after turning 60, but will continue to assist the royal couple in a "less formal capacity".
While his successor remains under wraps, it is understood that Theo Rycroft is being lined up for the role.
Palace pays tribute
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: "I know Their Majesties are deeply grateful to Sir 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."
In a note 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 royal aide played a crucial role in facilitating the seamless transition of the then Prince of Wales to his position as King in the lead up to his accession in 2022 and the subsequent period. He has kept stride with Charles, whom his wife describes as a "complete workaholic", and over the years, has helped transform his ideas into action.
