Grant Harrold, King Charles III’s former butler, has reportedly revealed in his upcoming memoir that Prince Philip expressed an unfiltered reaction to the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. According to an excerpt shared by The Telegraph, Harrold claims that Philip, who was 96 at the time, told Queen Elizabeth II, ‘Thank f— that’s over,’ after the ceremony concluded. The account suggests Philip’s exasperation with the royal event, with Harrold noting that the Duke of Edinburgh was recovering from surgery and was likely in pain and tired. Royal experts have noted that Philip’s tendency for colorful and sometimes offensive language, which became a hallmark of his character, may have been exacerbated by his age and health condition on that day.
The incident has sparked discussions about the private dynamics within the royal family, particularly regarding the well-being of the younger members. Harrold’s memoir, set to be released soon, adds to the ongoing narrative surrounding the Sussexes’ relationship with the royal family, which has been marked by public disputes and personal grievances. In the years following the wedding, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020, citing the pressures of the British media and a lack of support from the palace. They have since moved to California, where they have shared their experiences in interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s memoir, ‘Spare.’ In the book, Harry has accused members of the royal family of prioritizing media favor over the welfare of the younger members, highlighting tensions that have persisted within the family.
Harrold admitted to The Telegraph that he was surprised by Harry’s accusations, stating, ‘I saw them. I saw them having dinners together, I saw them having drinks together, I saw them going to parties together. The king used to do things to make [his sons] laugh and giggle.’ However, the memoir also reflects the broader challenges the royal family faces in balancing public expectations with private relationships. As the monarchy continues to navigate the complexities of modernity, the anecdotes from Harrold’s memoir provide a glimpse into the personal dynamics that have shaped the royal family’s public persona.