Sir Clive Alderton is leaving his role as King Charles’ top aide. Yet experts believe he may not be leaving the monarch’s inner circle entirely. Alderton, who has allegedly been identified as the “Wasp” in Prince Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” is expected to step down next year after around 20 years of service to the Royal Household. His departure has now raised questions about whether his influence could continue behind palace doors.
Experts claim Prince Harry’s ‘wasp’ rival Sir Clive Alderton will remain a ‘voice in King Charles’ ear’
Prince Harry and Sir Clive Alderton are understood to have a strained relationship for years. Now, Alderton’s upcoming departure has raised questions about whether his influence around King Charles will truly disappear.
Royal commentator Amanda Matta told Fox News Digital that former courtiers can maintain a “channel of influence” even after leaving their official positions. “It’s possible that ‘The Wasp’ … could remain a voice in the king’s ear,” Matta said.
Alderton is expected to step down as the King’s principal private secretary around his 60th birthday in 2027. He has spent two decades serving the Royal Household and played an important role during Charles’ transition from heir to monarch.
Buckingham Palace has praised his “tireless support and wise counsel,” while Alderton has said he will continue supporting the King and Queen in a “less formal capacity.” That detail could be significant. It suggests his relationship with Charles may continue even without the same official title.
His alleged connection to Harry’s “Wasp” nickname comes from the Duke of Sussex’s memoir, “Spare.” In the book, Harry portrayed the aide as outwardly polite but potentially sharp and calculating. Alderton is widely believed to be the palace official Harry was describing.
However, experts have stressed that his influence should not be confused with control over the monarch. Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield described the private secretary as a key “gatekeeper” who manages access, information, and the King’s schedule. At the same time, Schofield emphasized that Charles remains the decision-maker. “These people can advise, warn and facilitate, but they do not overrule the king,” she said, according to Fox News.
