This is the second interview in our series. Click here to see our first interview with Andrew Jamieson, the Queen’s official scribe and illuminator.
Grant Harrold worked in the Prince of Wales’s household from 2004-2011. You can see Grant’s new business’s site at https://www.nicholasveitch.com, his personal website at https://www.grantharrold.com, follow him on Twitter @GrantHarrold and like him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicholas-Veitch/256870754343156.
| You say you used to work in the Prince of Wales’s household, what was your function there? |
“After leaving my position as Butler to the 15th Duke of Bedford, I became an Under Butler to the Prince of Wales from 2004 to 2011. As well as acting as Under Butler I also acted as a Butler, House Manager, Housekeeper, Driver and Valet. These jobs were either for the Prince or other members of his Family.”
| What was it like to work in the household of the Prince of Wales? |
| Describe an average day in the household? |
“An average day while working for the Royal Family or any similar family can mean anything. Its not like Remains of the day or Downton Abbey where the Butlers have certain sole duties. In the role of a modern day butler one minute you could be serving a table, the next acting as a valet or looking after guests, children or even family pets. Butlers also need to have good housekeeping skills today, so whether you work for a Prince or a Duke you need to be able to multitask. Working for The Royal Family is like working for any other family which is an important thing to remember. The reason it is important is that as a Butler your standards should always be the same whoever your employer may be.”
| Are there any interesting anecdotes or stories you have from working for the Prince of Wales? |
“There are many stories, but due to butler confidentiality I can not repeat them. When off duty, I was once invited to a Ball at Balmoral Castle. The Ghillies Ball, which is world famous. During the evening I had the honour to dance with The Queen which was a unique experience and I feel very honoured to have had this privilege.”
| What was The Prince of Wales like to work with? Was he friendly, funny, easy-going? |
“The Prince is a wonderful employer and was very kind to me during my seven years with him, as were all of his family. It is important that a Butler and employer can get on whoever the employer is, as there has to be a strong bond which covers confidentially, loyalty and respect.”
| What was the highlight of your time working with Prince Charles? |
“One of the many highlight for me working for the Prince would be attend his wedding in 2005 as a guest. I had only been working for HRH for just under a year. When I discovered I had been invited I could not believe it. It was an amazing privilege and it was my first visit to Windsor Castle. It was a historic day and televised worldwide, and being able to see two extremely happy people joined in union was a memory I shall treasure forever.”
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