King Charles ‘looking grumpy’ ahead of coronation ceremony
One of King Charles’s most trusted aides has stepped down after almost two decades. Sir Edward Young, Charles’s private secretary has stepped aside after serving the King since he acceded the throne. Sir Edward also served Queen Elizabeth II from 2017 until her death last year. It was agreed that he would stay on the help the new King until the Coronation.
Now after the big ceremony, Sir Edward will make way for Sir Clive Alderton, who will continue on in the role after serving as joint private secretary.
Paying tribute to his colleague Sir Edward, Sir Clive said: “Edward has been an outstanding colleague and a dear friend for almost two decades.
“He made an invaluable contribution to the closing years of The late Queen’s reign and to helping support the process of transition. He will be much missed by us all.”
Upon his departure, former banker and political advisor, Sir Edward said he was “honoured” to serve two sovereigns and grateful for all the support and friendship” along the way.
“I am deeply touched by their kind words and tributes as I venture beyond the Palace gates, but look forward to staying in close contact in years ahead,” he added.
Sir Edward was marked with several honours for his service to the Royal Family, including a peerage.
He was also appointed a Lord in Waiting and Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, and promoted within the Royal Victorian Order to Knight Grand Cross.
A monarch’s private secretary is one of the most important roles in the royal household as the person responsible for supporting the King as Head of State.
The role is described by the Royal Family as “the channel of communication between the Head of State and the Government”.
The Private Secretary liaises with the Armed Forces, the Church and organisations that the King is a patron of.
A source told the Times, incoming Sir Clive as “one of the most, if not the most, intelligent people I’ve ever met. He didn’t go to university, he got fast-tracked into the Foreign Office. He broke a record and was Britain’s youngest ambassador. He was the definition of a high flyer.”
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