King Charles is bidding farewell to the longtime butler who remained by his side following his separation from the late Princess Diana. The news was revealed by award-winning royal author Robert Jobson.
The employee was among Charles’ most steadfast members of staff, dedicating many years of service to the royal family and remaining a trusted presence through some of the monarch’s most challenging periods.
Bernie Flannery who chose Charles’ household when Princess Diana divided their staff is retiring
After dedicating more than 40 years to the Royal Family, one of King Charles’ most loyal staff members has retired. Bernie Flannery spent four decades at the heart of royal life, seeing firsthand royal marriages, separations, the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, and Charles taking the crown.
Award-winning royal expert Robert Jobson revealed Mr. Flannery’s departure, writing, “Bernie Flannery leaves the King’s personal staff this weekend. The loyal butler is the latest of His Majesty’s team to leave his side, after more than forty years at his beck and call.”
In his tribute, Mr. Jobson described the departing butler as “the most loyal of the loyal” and wished him well in retirement. According to the Daily Express, Mr. Flannery started out serving on the Royal Yacht Britannia and moved into the future King’s private service in the early 1990s.
His reputation was so strong that after the then Prince of Wales and Princess Diana split in 1992, both wanted Mr. Flannery on their staff. The longtime staff member chose to remain with the now-reigning monarch, said to be at the royal’s direct urging.
Bernie Flannery’s departure comes shortly after the announcement that King Charles’ longtime private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, will also step down next year. Alderton is expected to retire around his 60th birthday in May, bringing an 11-year tenure as the monarch’s private secretary to an end after a total of 20 years of service to the royal family.
Sir Clive Alderton has pledged to ensure a smooth handover to his successor. The position is expected to be open to candidates from both within and outside the Royal Household.
Originally reported by Sibanee Gogoi on Mandatory.
