King Charles’ right-hand man is stepping down next year, but his departure may not end his influence behind palace doors.Royal experts told Fox News Digital that "The Wasp" could remain "a voice in the king’s ear" as Charles continues to navigate his fractured relationship with Prince Harry.Sir Clive Alderton will step down as principal private secretary next year, People magazine reported.
His departure will coincide with his 60th birthday after 20 years of service to the royal household.In his 2023 memoir, "Spare," Harry gave three powerful royal household staffers pointed insect nicknames.Alderton is widely believed to have been "The Wasp" — a fiercely loyal operator and uncompromising defender of the crown.QUEEN ELIZABETH’S AIDE, NICKNAMED 'AK-47,' CLASHED WITH PRINCE HARRY IN EXPLOSIVE ‘TIARAGATE’: EXPERTSPrince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, leaves the High Court after attending the second day of appeal hearing in a legal challenge against the Home Office over the decision to downgrade his level of police protection in the United Kingdom.
Sir Clive Alderton, a palace aide believed to be "The Wasp" in Harry's memoir "Spare," sits on RAVEC, the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, which determines official protective security for public figures in the U.K.(Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images)"Though Alderton is stepping away from his formal role, courtiers often retain a channel of influence at the palace long after their formal departure," royal commentator Amanda Matta told Fox News Digital."It’s possible that ‘The Wasp,’ or others like him, could remain a voice in the king’s ear regardless of their employment status," Matta said.King Charles III and his Principal Private Secretary Sir Clive Alderton watch racing from the Royal Box during Day 3, Ladies Day, of Royal Ascot 2026 at Ascot Racecourse on June 18, 2026, in Ascot, England.
(Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)"I think their hesitancy with Harry is rooted in not wanting to...