King and Camilla plunged in gender gap pay row with 'kick in the teeth' to staff
A row has erupted among senior Buckingham Palace staff after a report revealed a gender pay gap between the King and Queen's private secretaries.
Disparities in the pay packets between the King Charles's top aide, and Sophie Densham who works for Camilla were described as a "kick in the teeth" by one insider.
Sir Clive Alderton, who has been the King's private secretary since 2006, is paid more than double the wage of Ms Densham, according to the annual Sovereign Grant Report which was published last month.
The report which lists a breakdown of royal expenditure gave Sir Clive's salary as £205,000-£210,000, whilst Ms Densham is paid a more humble £90,000-£95,000.
Sir Clive, pictured with Sophie Densham during the late-Queen's funeral (Getty Images)
Sophie Densham pictured in 2008 (Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)Sophie Densham has been the Queen's right-hand woman since 2008, and is often seen accompanying her on public engagements, including for the procession of the late-Queen's coffin during the September state funeral
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A former senior palace worker described the disparity as "shocking", saying: "I’m really shocked by the disparity and I’m astonished by Sophie’s salary — that is a kick in the teeth."
According to the report, Sir Clive was also provided housing "for the better performing of his duties" to the King.
The top aide reportedly resides at Marlborough House, a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace where his office is.
The accommodation is rented from the Crown estate, with the undisclosed rent deducted from his salary "at a rate agreed with HM Treasury".
Sir Clive also rents accommodation at Marlborough House from the Crown estate for an undisclosed rate (Getty Images)
The pay gap left insiders 'shocked' (Getty Images)A separate source told the Express: "Whether you think there’s a disparity in the pay because of their sex, rather than their seniority, there is a question there.
"Sophie is known as being a very capable and dedicated support to the Queen."
Described as a "real grafter", Ms Densham has helped Queen Camilla adjust to her central royal role.
She began working for Camilla's private office in 2008 and was elevated to assistant private secretary in 2015, before being promoted to the main role in 2021.
Ms Densham accompanied Queen Camilla during the late-Queen's funeral procession (TOLGA AKMEN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)Before that, she worked for the Memorial Gates Trust, a charity honouring the memories of fallen soldiers from overseas.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment when approached by The Mirror.
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It follows revelations of anger among other royal staff following the death of Queen Elizabeth.
Around 100 staff at Clarence House were told they could be losing their roles four days into the official mourning period back in September, leaving a "sour taste" in many mouths.
Among them was Angela Kelly, the late-Queen's dresser, who was reportedly bought a home near Sheffield as a gesture of goodwill by the King.
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