Former Butler Reveals Surprising Royal Moments In New Memoir

Grant Harrold, a former butler at Highgrove, has shared intriguing insights from his time within the royal household, shedding light on personal encounters with members of the British royal family. Harrold, who worked at Highgrove from 2004 to 2011, recounts memorable moments involving Prince Harry, King Charles, and others, as he prepares to release his memoir titled *The Royal Butler*.

One of the standout anecdotes from Harrold’s experiences is his first encounter with Prince Harry. According to Harrold, he met the young prince while Harry was on his gap year at the age of 19. The meeting quickly turned playful when Harry initiated a water balloon fight, catching Harrold off guard as he attempted to escape through a window. “Sorry. I’m just being a bit silly,” Harry reportedly said after the impromptu battle, leading to a friendly dinner invitation from the prince.

In contrast to Harry’s lively personality, Harrold described Prince William as “warm, if a little guarded” during their initial meeting. Harrold felt comfortable enough to simply call him William, indicating a sense of camaraderie.

King Charles’s Gentle Nature Uncovered

Harrold’s experience allowed him to observe a different side of King Charles, whom he characterized as a “very gentle character.” He remarked that Charles was calm and hardworking, noting that he never raised his voice during their seven years together. This perspective challenges the perception of Charles as being out of touch or occasionally irritable.

Reflecting on the relationship between Charles and Camilla, Harrold addressed claims made by Harry in his 2023 memoir, *Spare*. Harry alleged that he and William had pleaded with their father not to marry Camilla, stating, “We support you, we said. We endorse Camilla, we said. ‘Just please don’t marry her. Just be together, Pa.’” Yet, Harrold presented a different narrative, recalling how both brothers decorated their father’s car with “Just Married” signs on the day of the royal wedding. “The four of them, I promise you, got on so well,” he stated, expressing confusion over Harry’s portrayal of their family dynamics.

A Close Bond Among Royals

During his time at Highgrove, Harrold witnessed the strong bond between William, Kate Middleton, and Harry. He noted that Harry and Kate often spent time together while William was away, participating in activities like shopping and visiting pubs. Harrold emphasized that Harry was not excluded from family gatherings, as he frequently socialized with both Kate and his then-girlfriend Chelsy Davy.

Another cherished memory for Harrold was his conversations with Charles during walks, particularly when they discussed what Charles might be called as king. “I remember asking him what he would be, and he said to me, ‘I could be Charles, but I could also be George VII,’” Harrold recalled. This hints at Charles’s potential choices for his regnal name, though he ultimately became known as Charles III.

In his upcoming memoir, Harrold also recounts a humorous moment involving Prince Philip during Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018. After the ceremony, Philip turned to Queen Elizabeth and quipped, “Thank f*** that’s over,” capturing the candid and often humorous nature of royal life.

As Harrold prepares to release his memoir later this month, readers can expect more insights into the royal family, revealing a blend of personal anecdotes and reflections on the dynamics within the monarchy. His experiences offer a unique glimpse into the lives of the royals, showcasing their humanity behind formal appearances.