After the shock announcment that Sir Clive Alderton would step down as Principal Private Secretary to King Charles next year, his close friend Sir Michael Ellis has spoken publicly for the first time.
The former Attorney General called Clive “one of the most consequential private secretaries to the Sovereign in many years.”
From Megxit to cancer battles (and wooing President Trump), Sir Clive has supported The King through it all.
“He is an extremely kind and professional person,” Sir Michael Ellis tells GB News.
“He’s someone of intense loyalty and considerable discretion, and these are rare qualities in public life,” said the former AG.
Sir Michael even credited his friend with helping to protect the monarchy as an institution, adding: “One of the main characteristics of Clive has been the tremendous foresight that he has. It’s troubleshooting issues before they’ve become troublesome. It’s having a good antennae…anticipating what might be an issue, and then dealing with that.”
The King’s trusted aide demonstrated a steady hand in times of turbulence. At 77, he won public admiration for decisive action, notably removing his brother’s royal titles after links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein came to light.
Even with opposition at home, the King accepted President Trump’s invitation to visit the United States, navigating yet another moment of global uncertainty.
Sir Clive Alderton has reportedly been involved in supporting the King through difficult family challenges, notably the so-called “Sandringham Summit”.
The heated talks and profound disagreements led to Prince Harry describing Sir Clive as “the Wasp” in his controversial memoir Spare in 2023.
However, Sir Michael said: “I have never found Clive to be anything other than perfectly charming.
“He shows what has been a characteristic of royal service for generations, and that’s unfailing courtesy and unfailing diplomacy.”
Sir Michael praised Sir Clive Alderton for his “intense loyalty”, saying no details have leaked about the Sussexes and the King’s recent short family reunion.
Sir Michael said: “Under Sir Clive’s chairmanship there was a gentle modernisation of the 10th century service, which remained faithful to its roots whilst simultaneously achieving new things to make the occasion relevant and accessible to a modern audience.”
“It really was a huge success, and I would say chairing the Coronation Committee must be one of the most important and celebrated achievements in a very successful career. “
2026-08-01 13:52:00
