King Charles loses a familiar face from his inner circle

King Charles is preparing to say goodbye to one of the longest-serving members of his personal team, with loyal butler Bernie Flannery set to retire after an extraordinary four decades of service.

The news was revealed by royal author Robert Jobson, who confirmed that Bernie will leave the King’s personal staff this weekend.

Bernie joined Charles’s household in the early 1990s after previously serving aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. 

He quickly became a trusted member of the royal’s inner circle and remained by his side through some of the most significant moments of his life.

His loyalty was reportedly so valued that, following Charles and Princess Diana’s separation, both royals wanted Bernie to continue working for them. Ultimately, he chose to remain with Charles.

Despite spending decades so close to the Royal Family, Bernie has largely stayed away from the public spotlight. 

One of the few occasions he made headlines came in 1999, when he was involved in a car accident after collecting a new vehicle for the Royal Household.

His departure marks another significant change within the King’s team. 

Last month, it was confirmed that Sir Clive Alderton, one of Charles’s most senior advisers, will step down from his position around summer 2027 after more than 20 years serving the Royal Family.

Clive has held several important roles since joining the royal household in 2006, including serving as an ambassador for three years. 

He has been praised for playing a major role in supporting Charles and Queen Camilla through a period of enormous change.