Queen Elizabeth's right hand man to stand down?
The Queen’s Private Secretary Sir Christopher Geidt, is allegedly standing down after working for Her Majesty for 10 years.
This comes after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's housekeeper quit after two years, and Kate Middleton’s Private Secretary Rebecca Deacon also resigned.
Sources told the Mail on Sunday that this was part of a wider shake-up in the Royal Household, with more senior officers rumoured to be leaving before Christmas, though neither this nor Sir Geidt's news have been confirmed by the Palace.
The other Senior Officers said to want to quit are Prince William’s Private Secretary Miguel Head, who has served the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for over 10 years, and Prince Harry’s Private Secretary Miguel Head, though again, the Palace hasn't commented on them.
This is said to be part of a wider restructure of the Royal Household as Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth prepare to hand over duties to the younger generation of Royals (and this is the line of succession to the throne, in case you were wondering).
Prince Philip is retiring next week, while the Queen is stepping down as patron of around 20 organisations, though she isn't retiring and has no plans to abdicate.
A senior source said, ‘Sir Christopher’s departure is just the beginning. Major changes are afoot. Yes, it is a shake-up.’
Sir Geidt, a former Army intelligence officer, has been a key player to transitioning the Crown to the younger generation of Royals, and was even awarded a second knighthood in 2014 for his ‘new approach to constitutional matters… [And] the preparation for the transition to a change of reign’.
The next most senior Private Secretary will be Clive Alderton, Prince Charles’ aide.
The source carried on, ‘This is a fascinating time with regard to the monarchy. The Crown is in transition, with Prince Philip retiring next week, with the Queen at 91 looking to hand over a number of patronages. The Prince of Wales is ready to step up to support Her Majesty in whatever capacity she should see fit. He has served her as the longest heir to the throne and he will of course continue to do so.’
For now, it's expected the Queen will carry on as normal, but it’s rumoured Sir Geidt’s deputy Edward Young will step up.
