EXCLUSIVE: King Charles III’s former butler said the monarch surprised royal staff with a significant decision, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II
King Charles III’s former royal butler said he was “surprised” by the monarch’s choice of regnal name when he ascended the throne. Grant Harrold, who worked for the then Prince of Wales between 2004 and 2011, believes the King’s decision to choose Charles III, instead of George VII, is down to a heartfelt family reason.
When a British sovereign takes the throne, they’re free to select any of their given names as their official title.
With Charles’ complete name as Charles Philip Arthur George, he had the option to pick any of these monikers upon becoming the new ruler.
Speaking exclusively at the launch of his book The Royal Butler: My Remarkable Life of Royal Service, Grant revealed why the choice left him surprised.
“I had a conversation [with him] and he explained to me about [the] titles, he explained to me about why you bow and curtsey, and he explained to me about the different titles he could use,” he shared.
“And we, myself and other colleagues, discussed it and we were all convinced he would [become] George VII.
“Because Charles II had a reputation as [being] a womaniser and Charles I lost his head (after he was tried and convicted of treason). So when he picked Charles, I was quite surprised because that was not the impression I got.”
Grant reckons Charles’ choice might have been swayed by his grandson Prince George, who stands second in line to the throne, following his father Prince William. “With his grandson George, maybe he felt he should be the next George VII,” Grant shared.
“Maybe he feels that it would be a nice thing to let him have that – be the next George – because it makes sense for Charles to go with Charles, it does make sense, but to go with George, it would make more sense for his grandson to have that name.”
When the young Prince eventually takes over from his father, he could choose a different regnal name, like Charles did, or keep George.
Charles became King Charles III on September 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. His succession to the throne was automatic upon her death, as is customary in the UK – the Crown transfers instantly to the heir.
Throughout his seven years at Highgrove House, Grant not only worked for Charles but also Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Speaking about what the royals were like in private, the former butler revealed he was surprised by how normal some of their ways were, and said they were all welcoming.
Grant described the King as particularly “approachable” and noted that Kate consistently ensured she checked in with staff during her visits to the residence.
