King Charles's Palace aide quietly steps down after two years in role

Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 08/01/2026

- 17:54

It comes after the King wrapped up his festive stay at Sandringham and returned to the capital

Dr Nathan Ross has departed from his position as Assistant Private Secretary to King Charles, following a tenure spanning more than two years.

The monarch received Dr Ross at Clarence House on January 5, as documented in the Court Circular, which serves as the official record of royal engagements.


According to the entry, the King invested Dr Ross with the insignia of a Member of the Royal Victorian Order upon his departure from the role.

The Royal Victorian Order carries particular weight within Britain's honours system, having been founded by Queen Victoria in 1896.

King Charles and Dr Nathan Ross

King Charles's Palace aide quietly steps down after two years in role

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LINKEDIN: DR NATHAN ROSS

The distinction sets itself apart from other awards by specifically acknowledging personal service rendered to the sovereign and members of the Royal Family.

Crucially, the honour remains entirely within the monarch's personal gift, meaning it represents a direct expression of gratitude from the King himself rather than being awarded on ministerial advice.

The honour was conferred in recognition of his service to His Majesty during his time working within the royal household.

Dr Ross held the position of Assistant Private Secretary from June 2023 until December 2025, amounting to two years and six months of service.

Court Circular entryKing Charles has returned to Clarence House in London | COURT CIRCULAR

Before joining the Palace, he worked as Deputy High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea.

This diplomatic background proved valuable during his time supporting the King, with his experience in foreign service contributing to his work within the royal household.

His LinkedIn profile confirmed the duration of his appointment, which saw him serve throughout a significant period of the King's reign following the late Queen Elizabeth II's death in September 2022.

This made Dr Ross's investiture a meaningful acknowledgement of his individual contribution to royal duties during his time at the Palace.

LinkedIn

Dr Nathan Ross worked in his Palace role for two and a half years

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LINKEDIN: DR NATHAN ROSS

King Charles and Queen CamillaKing Charles and Queen Camilla at Sandringham for the 2025 service | PA

The Court Circular entry also confirmed that King Charles had wrapped up his festive stay at Sandringham and returned to the capital, departing from his late mother's custom.

Queen Elizabeth II would typically remain at her Norfolk estate until February 6 each year, marking the anniversary of her father King George VI's death.

The King and Queen Camilla attended a service at St Mary Magdalene Church near Sandringham last Sunday before travelling back to London.

The royal couple are expected to resume official engagements in the coming weeks, with speculation mounting about a potential state visit to Washington in April to mark 250 years of American independence.