By Chris Williamson-
Dozens of Clarence House staff formerly working for the former Prince Of Wales, now King Charles III, have been given notice of their redundancy as the offices of King Charles and the Queen Consort move to Buckingham Palace, following the death of the Queen,
Up to 100 employees at the King’s former official residence, including some who have worked there for decades, received the official notification that they could lose their jobs, just as they were working round the clock to facilitate the smooth running of the king’s elevation to the throne.
Among those to lose their jobs are private secretaries, the finance office, the communications team and household staff are among those who received notice during the thanksgiving service for the Queen, at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh on Monday, that their posts were on the line.
It is unclear why his present communication team cannot be transferred to his new office as king, unless King Charles has no plans to have a communications team.
The shocking news for those affected could have destabilizing effects on their livelihoods, if nothing is done to find them new posts. King Charle’s aids has promised to see what can be done to find them alternative roles within the royal household where possible.
Many staff had thought they would be moved to the King’s new household, claiming they were given no indication of what was coming until the letter from Sir Clive Alderton, the King’s top aide, arrived.
One source said: “Everybody is absolutely livid, including private secretaries and the senior team. All the staff have been working late every night since Thursday, to be met with this. People were visibly shaken by it.
“The change in role for our principals will also mean change for our household … The portfolio of work previously undertaken in this household supporting the former Prince of Wales’s personal interests, former activities and household operations will no longer be carried out, and the household … at Clarence House will be closed down. It is therefore expected that the need for the posts principally based at Clarence House, whose work supports these areas will no longer be needed,” read Alderton’s letter, seen by The Guardian.
Alderton added, “I appreciate that this is unsettling news and I wanted to let you know of the support that is available at this point
He added that certain staff providing “direct, close, personal support and advice” to Charles and Camilla would remain in post. No final decisions are understood to have been taken, as a consultation period, which will begin after the state funeral next Monday, needs to be completed first.
Staff who are made redundant are expected to be offered searches for alternative employment across all royal households, assistance in finding new jobs externally and an “enhanced” redundancy payment beyond the statutory minimum.
A Clarence House spokesman said: “Following last week’s accession, the operations of the household of the former Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have ceased and, as required by law, a consultation process has begun. Our staff have given long and loyal service and, while some redundancies will be unavoidable, we are working urgently to identify alternative roles for the greatest number of staff.”
It remains uncertain as to whether the King and Queen Consort will eventually live at Buckingham Palace. At present, only parts of Buckingham Palace are habitable as it is undergoing major reservicing works that are expected to last years.
There is speculation that the King would use the palace for official purposes such as receptions, audiences, investitures and banquets, while retaining his nearby Clarence House as his London home.
As with many other communications team, many members of the press would have become used to his communications team over the years. As king, he may want to revamp his team at some point.