Former Butler Reflects on King Charles III’s Surprising Name Choice

Former royal butler Grant Harrold has shared insights into his seven years working for King Charles III at Highgrove House, the royal family’s country residence in Gloucestershire. Harrold, who was made redundant in 2011, expressed surprise at the decision to retain the name Charles III upon the King’s ascension to the throne.

Harrold described his time at Highgrove as an “absolute dream come true.” He characterized the 76-year-old monarch as a “very gentle character” who “didn’t once raise his voice” during their interactions. As an etiquette expert today, Harrold maintains a unique perspective on the royal family and their traditions.

In a recent interview, Harrold recounted a poignant conversation he had with Charles about the weight of the monarchy. When asked whether they ever spoke of the day he would become king, Harrold recalled the King’s reflective comment: “When that job comes, you lose a parent.”

Surprising Name Choice

A significant topic of discussion during Harrold’s tenure was the potential regal name Charles would choose. Prior to the announcement that he would take the name Charles III, there was speculation that he might opt for George VII, in honor of his grandfather, George VI. Harrold explained that the butlers had anticipated this choice, as it would symbolize continuity within the monarchy.

He recounted, “I remember asking him what he would be, and he said to me, ‘I could be Charles, but I could also be George VII,’ which is quite nice because his grandfather was George VI.” Given this discussion, the announcement that he would be known as Charles III came as a shock to Harrold and his colleagues.

The formal announcement was made by former Prime Minister Liz Truss in a speech from Downing Street. She stated, “Today the Crown passes, as it has done for more than a thousand years, to our new monarch, our new head of state, his majesty King Charles III.” Truss concluded her speech with a heartfelt tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, stating, “Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which our country was built.”

Harrold’s reflections provide a glimpse into the personal side of the royal family during a historic transition. The choice of name carries significant weight within the context of British royal history, as it connects the new monarch to his predecessors and their legacies.