Prince Harry's redemption U-turn thanks to major royal staffer exit
Prince Harry's redemption U-turn thanks to major royal staffer exit
Douglas Dickie & Michael D. Carroll & Ellie HookWed, July 29, 2026 at 9:46 AM UTC
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Harry was set for a UK return -Credit:Shutterstock
Prince Harry's chances of being welcomed back into the royal family have received a major boost after one of the last remaining hurdles was swept aside.
It was revealed on Monday, July 27, that Sir Clive Alderton will be stepping down from his position as principal private secretary to King Charles next year. While the Palace is expected to advertise for a replacement, the departure appears to pave the way for the promotion of former UK diplomat Theo Rycroft, who currently serves as deputy private secretary.
Sir Clive and Rycroft are understood to be heading up opposing factions within the royal household, with Alderton reportedly counseling the King to keep his younger son at arm's length. It comes after a royal commentator said Harry and his brother, Prince William, have a "broken" relationship beyond repair.
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Rycroft, on the other hand, is said to be pushing for a reconciliation, with concerns that the ongoing rift is causing damage to the monarchy, reports the Express. With Sir Clive's exit, Prince William appears to be the only remaining barrier to Harry and Meghan's return, though the Prince of Wales' stance is likely to be weakened by Sir Clive's departure.
King Charles III's Principal Private Secretary Sir Clive Alderton is stepping down -Credit:Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Harry mockingly referred to Sir Clive as "The Wasp" in his 2023 memoir, Spare. Harry described him as "lanky, charming, arrogant, a ball of jazzy energy" and "great at pretending to be polite, even servile."
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The Duke of Sussex added, "Because he seemed so weedy, so self-effacing, you might be tempted to push back, insist on your point, and that was when he'd put you on his list.
"A short time later, without warning, he'd give you such a stab with his outsized stinger that you'd cry out in confusion. Where the f--k did that come from?"
Sir Clive has been part of the royal household since 2006 and became Charles' closest confidant 11 years ago. He facilitated the smooth transition of power in 2022 and was instrumental in organizing the King's coronation in 2023.
Prince Harry is set to return to the UK in September -Credit:undefined
The Telegraph reports that Sir Clive has informed staff, stating, "It has been the greatest imaginable honor to serve the King and Queen in my present role through such historic times and with unforgettable humor along the way.
"That support will continue, in a less formal capacity, for all of my life." In addition to the Coronation, Sir Clive has overseen State Visits, including by Donald Trump, ensuring they ran smoothly, and handled the aftermath of the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal.
This comes with good timing as Prince Harry may be returning to Buckingham Palace later this year, in September. The Duke of Sussex, 41, is expected to visit the U.K., with The Sun reporting that King Charles will offer his younger son a room at Buckingham Palace during his stay.
The King's offer for Prince Harry to stay at a royal residence also comes after a public back-and-forth over accommodations during the Duke of Sussex's latest return to his home country.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
