Grant Harrold, a former royal butler who served the British Royal Family for seven years, has offered a rare glimpse into the private lives of Prince William and Prince Harry. He recently recounted a particularly lively Christmas lunch where the young princes, then children, initiated a “crazy” balloon fight. This unusual anecdote provides a unique insight into the playful dynamic between the royal siblings during their formative years.
Known publicly as ‘The Royal Butler’, Harrold’s tenure spanned from 2004 until 2011, during which he was employed by King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) and Queen Camilla, as well as attending to Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales (then Kate Middleton), and Prince Harry. His duties placed him in close proximity to the family, allowing him to observe their personal moments away from public scrutiny.
The specific incident, shared exclusively with The Independent, unfolded during a formal Christmas lunch, typically a structured affair within the royal household. Harrold described how Prince William, then a young boy, began to playfully blow up balloons and release the air, sending them across the room towards him. The butler initially found himself in a peculiar predicament, unsure of the appropriate protocol for engaging in such an informal interaction with a future king.
What began as a simple game quickly escalated. Harrold, cautiously reciprocating the gesture, observed William extending the game to his father, the then-Prince Charles. Soon after, Prince Harry joined the fray, amplifying the boisterous atmosphere. The situation took an even more unexpected turn when the princes started filling balloons with water, transforming the stately dining room into an arena for a lively, if unconventional, festive skirmish.
Harrold characterised the event as “crazy, but fun,” a sentiment that underscores the unique blend of formality and occasional spontaneity within the royal environment. Such moments are rarely shared with the public, making Harrold’s recollection particularly valuable for those interested in the human side of the monarchy. It paints a picture of two young boys, despite their royal lineage, indulging in typical childhood antics.
The Royal Family’s Christmas celebrations at Sandringham House are renowned for their adherence to tradition and protocol, encompassing specific church services, gift exchanges, and formal meals. Within this highly structured environment, any deviation, particularly one involving playful mischief, stands out. Harrold’s account highlights the rare instances where the strictures of royal life might momentarily give way to unbridled childlike joy.
For many years, the public perceived Prince William and Prince Harry through the lens of their public duties and carefully curated appearances. Anecdotes like Harrold’s serve to humanise them, revealing a mischievous and spirited side that resonates with universal experiences of childhood. This glimpse behind the gilded curtain offers a relatable perspective on the upbringing of royal heirs.
The role of a royal butler extends far beyond mere service; it often involves developing a unique relationship with the family members, particularly the younger ones. Staff like Harrold are privy to intimate family moments, becoming trusted confidantes and observers of the private lives that contrast sharply with the public image. Their discretion is paramount, yet their shared memories offer invaluable historical and cultural insight.
Harrold’s decision to share this specific memory underscores a broader interest in understanding the dynamics within the royal family, especially in light of the evolving relationship between William and Harry in recent years. While the anecdote predates any known tensions, it provides a nostalgic look back at a time when their bond appeared unequivocally strong and full of shared youthful exuberance.
In his post-royal service career, Grant Harrold has leveraged his unique experiences to become a media commentator and etiquette expert, often drawing upon his time within the royal household to provide context and insight. His continued sharing of such benign, yet revealing, stories contributes to the public’s enduring fascination with the intricacies of royal life and the personalities behind the titles.
These personal recollections from former staff members offer a vital counterpoint to the official narratives, helping to build a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the monarchy. Harrold’s Christmas tale, while seemingly minor, contributes to the rich tapestry of stories that define the public’s perception of Prince William and Prince Harry.
