Grant Harrold, the former royal butler to King Charles III, has shared vivid anecdotes about Prince Philip’s renowned blunt and unfiltered nature, as detailed in his memoir, ‘The Royal Butler: My Remarkable Life in Royal Service.’ One notable instance involved Philip’s profane reaction during the 2018 wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, where he reportedly said, ‘Thank f— that’s over.’ Harrold, who served the royal family from 2004 to 2011, recounted how Philip was known for his candidness, often using swear words to express his frustrations.
Harrold described how palace staff had to adapt to Philip’s unfiltered manner, with his directness often catching even the most seasoned members of the royal household off guard. For example, during one incident, Harrold was cleaning up after breakfast and noticed Prince Philip outside. The butler’s colleagues quickly dismissed his idea of approaching Philip, as they were wary of his unpredictable temperament. Harrold’s experiences highlight the complex relationship between the royal family and their staff, where loyalty and professionalism had to coexist with an awareness of the Duke’s unpredictable nature.
Other royal staff, such as British broadcaster Helena Chard, also shared their impressions of Philip’s character. Chard noted that while Philip’s remarks often led to controversy, they were also a source of entertainment, with his wit and boldness becoming a defining feature of his time in the royal court. Chard recalled an instance where Philip remarked on Queen Elizabeth II’s complexion, prompting her to quip, ‘Yes, and she’s like that all over,’ which amused the royal family members present.
Philip’s unfiltered nature extended beyond personal interactions, influencing his public statements as well. During a 2015 event commemorating the Battle of Britain, Philip was heard telling a photographer, ‘Just take the f—–g picture!’ His ability to engage with the public in such an unapologetic manner earned him both admiration and criticism, with some viewing his comments as inappropriate and others finding his authenticity refreshing. Royal expert Hilary Fordwich highlighted how Philip’s one-liners were a staple at royal events, with remarks like, ‘If it doesn’t fart or eat hay, she isn’t interested,’ in reference to Princess Anne’s passion for horses.
In addition to his public remarks, Philip was known for his impatience and demanding nature, often challenging the status quo within the royal household. His comments on social and political issues sometimes drew criticism, with some labeling his remarks as racist, sexist, or out of touch. For example, during a 1995 visit to Scotland, he asked a driving instructor, ‘How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to pass the test?’ His remarks, while controversial, underscored his role as a figure who was unafraid to speak his mind, even at the expense of his reputation.
Despite the controversies, Philip’s legacy is one of dedication and service, having fulfilled over 20,000 engagements throughout his career. His unfiltered personality, while often seen as a flaw, was also perceived by many as a testament to his authenticity and commitment to the royal family’s mission. As royal expert Ian Pelham Turner noted, Philip’s candidness, while sometimes dangerous to navigate with, was a defining characteristic that left an indelible mark on the royal household and its staff.