Grant Harrold, the former butler of King Charles, has shared insights into the early days of Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s relationship.
In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, Harrold revealed that Kate Middleton, now the Princess of Wales, was incredibly polite, friendly, and fun to be around when interacting with royal staff behind closed doors.
Harrold, who served the King for seven years, recalled his time running errands at Highgrove House, the family residence of King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort.
He fondly remembered how Kate would engage in light-hearted banter and make jokes with him during those moments.
Despite not being a member of the family at the time, Kate’s down-to-earth nature and warm demeanor made her a joy to interact with.
The Prince and Princess of Wales first met as students at St Andrew’s University when they were just 19 years old.
They quickly became close friends before their relationship blossomed into a romance during their second year.
Harrold emphasized that during their early days together, they were just like any other young couple in love, despite the weight of their future royal responsibilities.
Reflecting on his experiences, Harrold expressed his gratitude for having such a close relationship with the couple.
He described the opportunity to travel with them across the country as a privilege.
While others may have been starstruck by receiving calls from Prince William, Harrold considered it a normal part of his job and the bond he shared with the couple.
Harrold also highlighted the unique dynamics within a private home.
As someone employed by the family, he found himself developing relationships not only with Prince Charles and Princess Diana but also with the younger members of the family.
This aspect, he explained, was not unusual and added to the special nature of his role.
Interestingly, Harrold had long admired the late Queen, even writing her a letter expressing his admiration when he was just 12 years old.
He continued to correspond with the royal family, and in 2003, they responded, offering him a potential position.
After six months of interviews, Harrold finally met Prince Charles and was offered a job.
Throughout his time working for the royal family, Harrold witnessed significant milestones.
He was present at Prince Charles’s wedding to the Duchess of Cornwall and witnessed the boys, including William, heading off to university.
Harrold also experienced the ups and downs of William and Kate’s relationship, expressing his relief when they eventually reunited after a brief separation.
Additionally, Harrold had the privilege of being part of the queen and the duke of Edinburgh’s 60th wedding anniversary celebration.
He even had the remarkable opportunity to dance with the queen at one of the balls, an experience he had watched on television 12 years prior.
Grant Harrold’s account provides a unique glimpse into the personal lives of the royal family, showcasing Kate Middleton’s genuine warmth and friendliness.
Behind closed doors, she proved herself to be a down-to-earth individual, making her interactions with staff both enjoyable and memorable.