Grant Harrold, the former butler to King Charles III, has published a memoir titled ‘The Royal Butler: My Remarkable Life in Royal Service’, which has sparked renewed interest in the royal family’s dynamics, particularly concerning Prince Harry’s memoir, ‘Spare.’ Harrold, who served the king for seven years, describes the monarch as a doting father to his sons, offering a personal insight into the family’s private life.
In the memoir, Harrold details how Harry’s memoir contradicts his own firsthand experiences and memory of events. He recalls Harry’s claims of unhappiness, particularly regarding his strained relationship with his stepmother, and the family’s alleged difficulties during the early years of his marriage to Camilla. However, Harrold maintains that his own observations—such as Harry’s visible joy at the king’s wedding and the warm family atmosphere—suggest that Harry’s portrayal is inaccurate.
Harrold emphasizes that despite his close proximity to the royal family, he witnessed no evidence of Harry’s reported unhappiness or the sibling rivalry described in ‘Spare.’ He points to specific instances, like the king’s wedding and a family dinner for William, Harry, and Charles, as examples of the family’s unity and happiness. These anecdotes underscore his belief that the public image of Harry’s suffering might be an exaggeration.
Harrold notes that the royal family’s dynamics have often been shaped by the public’s perception, and he suggests that individuals might have their own private feelings and experiences that remain undisclosed. He highlights how the king, though often seen as distant, was a dedicated and affectionate father to his sons. Similarly, the late Princess Diana, whose death in 1997 left an indelible mark on the royal family, was deeply involved in the lives of her children, and Charles, as a father, was committed to filling the void her absence left.
Additionally, Harrold addresses the broader implications of the royal family’s openness about their personal lives. He acknowledges how the media and public scrutiny have impacted the royals, and he reflects on his own experiences—having been involved in the king’s household—offering a unique perspective. This memoir, he suggests, adds another dimension to the ongoing narrative of the royal family, emphasizing the nuances of their personal lives while acknowledging the complexities of their public roles.