EXCLUSIVE: King Charles III’s took his royal staff by surprise with the important decision he made, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II
King Charles may have made the decision with Prince George in mind, Grant believes
King Charles III’s former royal butler believes there is a sentimental reason behind the monarch’s decision to become Charles, instead of George. According to Grant Harrold, 47, who served the then Prince of Wales from 2004 to 2011, he and fellow royal staff had believed Charles was going to become King George VII.
When a British monarch ascends the throne, they can choose any of their given names as their regnal moniker, and this does not have to match the most commonly used first name.
With Charles’ full name being Charles Philip Arthur George, he could have chosen any of these names when he became the new monarch.
Speaking exclusively at the launch of his book The Royal Butler: My Remarkable Life of Royal Service, Grant shared why the decision left him stunned.
“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.
“And we, myself and other colleagues, discussed it and we were all convinced he would [become] George VII.
King Charles III became monarch following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022(Image: Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“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 believes Charles’ decision may have been influenced by his grandson Prince George, who is second in line to the throne, behind 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.”
The young Prince, whose full name is George Alexander Louis, is expected to become King one day, after his father the Prince of Wales. When that eventually happens, he could choose a different regnal name, like Charles did, or keep George.
King Charles’ former butler opened up about his seven years serving for the royals
Charles became King Charles III on September 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. His accession to the throne was automatic upon her passing, as is the tradition in the UK — the monarchy passes immediately to the heir.
During his seven years at Highgrove House, Grant not only served Charles but also Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Discussing what the royals were like behind closed doors, the former butler said he was taken aback by how nice and welcoming they were.
Grant said the King was particularly “approachable” and added that Kate always made a point of checking on staff whenever she was in the house.