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Major blow to Prince Harry as devastating Royal Family announcement made

Prince Harry's hopes of reconciling with King Charles have suffered a major setback following the retirement announcement of the King's trusted principal private secretary Sir Clive Alderton, a royal expert claims

[It's a huge blow to Prince Harry]

It's a huge blow to Prince Harry(Image: Samir Hussein, Samir Hussein/WireImagevia Getty Images)

Royal expert and author Lady Colin Campbell has claimed that reports of the King's longtime aide Sir Clive Alderton stepping down next year after turning 60 may not spell good news for Prince Harry.

The Duke of Sussex was rather scathing about Sir Clive in his memoir Spare, dubbing him "The Wasp".While hi s successor remains under wraps, it's understood that Theo Rycroft is being lined up for the role.

Speaking to Samara Gill on TalkTV, the writer dismissed suggestions that this fresh appointment would benefit the estranged royal, despite the presenter wondering: "Harry might actually triumph out of this.

[Sir Clive Alderton is set to stand down]

Sir Clive Alderton is set to stand down(Image: Pool, Getty Images)

"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," she speculated, reports the Express.

"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.

"The mean, horrid members of staff implement their wishes," she said, suggesting that this new appointment will face similar challenges with Harry. She concluded by saying: "The King doesn't want Harry back."

It's 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, who serves as the principal private secretary to the King and Queen, is set to step down from his role in May next year, but will continue to assist the royal couple in a "less formal capacity".

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A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated: "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 expressed: "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.

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