King Charles has stepped out for the first time since news of him losing a trusted royal staffer made headlines.
On Tuesday, July 28, Buckingham Palace shared a major update about the monarch, reporting that he visited the Royal Air Force Marham – an RAF station near the village of Marham in the county of Norfolk.
Charles, who visited the station in his role as Royal Honorary Air Commodore, learnt about RAF and Royal Navy’s F-35B Lightning aircraft, and met members of the airbase community.
“The King has visited RAF Marham to learn about the capabilities of the F-35B Lightning aircraft and to meet serving aviators and their families,” read the caption.
It continued, “Managed jointly by the RAF and Royal Navy, the F-35B aircraft operates across both RAF Marham and the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.”
The palace also shared, “As Royal Honorary Air Commodore, His Majesty viewed the cockpit of the aircraft and met members of the wider airbase community, including a Community Support, Resilience and Climate Change Group.”
King Charles’ longtime aide steps down
King Charles’s latest update comes a day after it was reported that his trusted aide, Sir Clive Alderton, who had been serving the British Royal Family for 20 years, stepped down from his position.
During his two decades in the Royal Family, Alderton also served as the Principal Private Secretary to the King and his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, for 11 years.
Sir Clive has served the royal household since 2006 and plans to step down around summer 2027, giving ample time for a successor to be appointed.
In a message addressed to colleagues this afternoon, Sir Clive said, "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."
Meanwhile, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said Their Majesties are "deeply grateful to 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.”
Clive's departure is set to coincide with his 60th birthday, which is in May.
