Prince Harry’s ‘The Wasp’ rival stepping down but may remain 'a voice in the king’s ear': expert

King Charles’ right-hand man is stepping down next year, but his departure may not end his influence behind palace doors.

Royal experts told Fox News Digital that "The Wasp" could remain "a voice in the king’s ear" as Charles continues to navigate his fractured relationship with Prince Harry.

Sir Clive Alderton will step down as principal private secretary next year, People magazine reported.

His departure will coincide with his 60th birthday after 20 years of service to the royal household.

In his 2023 memoir, "Spare," Harry gave three powerful royal household staffers pointed insect nicknames.

Alderton is widely believed to have been "The Wasp" — a fiercely loyal operator and uncompromising defender of the crown.

QUEEN ELIZABETH’S AIDE, NICKNAMED 'AK-47,' CLASHED WITH PRINCE HARRY IN EXPLOSIVE ‘TIARAGATE’: EXPERTS "Though Alderton is stepping away from his formal role, courtiers often retain a channel of influence at the palace long after their formal departure," royal commentator Amanda Matta told Fox News Digital.

"It’s possible that ‘The Wasp,’ or others like him, could remain a voice in the king’s ear regardless of their employment status," Matta said.

"I think their hesitancy with Harry is rooted in not wanting to perpetuate any perceived chaos or scandal within the royal fold.

After years of dealing with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the fallout from Harry and Meghan’s departure for the U.S., it doesn’t really matter what Harry’s intentions are.

He might be seen as a threat by the king’s aides on principle." WATCH: PRINCE HARRY BELIEVED ROYAL FAMILY COULD HAVE ALLOWED A HYBRID ROLE: AUTHOR "These truly are power brokers at the palace — the people who decide on access, influence and narratives long before the public hears about them," Matta added.

On July 10, King Charles reunited privately with Harry and his family at Highgrove House as they continued efforts to repair a rift that has persisted since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from royal life .

Harry’s portrait of "The Wasp" came with plenty of sting.

"The Wasp was lanky, charming, arrogant, a ball of jazzy energy," he wrote, as quoted by People magazine.