The Royal Family may have access to the best luxuries in life, but when it comes to handling scorching temperatures, they’re just like the rest of us, a former royal staff member has told the Express. Brits resorted to all kinds of solutions to beat the latest heatwave that hit the country this week.
Tuesday was the hottest day of the year in the UK, with temperatures exceeding 34C in some parts of the South, including central London, Essex, and Surrey. The hot weather marks the second heatwave for parts of the UK within the last month, with scientists warning the searing temperatures earlier in June were made 100 times more likely because of human-caused climate change.
While some would expect the royals to take special measures to combat the heat, a former royal butler claimed otherwise.
Grant Harrold, who worked as a butler for King Charles from 2004 to 2011, said the royals are “just like everyone” else when it comes to handling a heatwave.
Speaking on behalf of Slingo, he told the Express: “They’re just like everyone, they drink lots of water and have the windows open.
“They don’t sit there with little handheld fans, I’m sorry to say.”
He added that while royal residences do not have air conditioning, their thick walls protect those inside from scorching temperatures.
Mr Harrold explained: “These old properties don’t have air conditioning. The interesting thing about these properties, the castles and the palaces, is that they have really thick walls.
“This means that even though it’s hot outside, it tends to be quite cool inside.”
But he claimed that it’s a different story during the winter, as the inside tends to get colder due to the brick.
He said: “The downside of that comes in winter. If it’s cold outside, you can guarantee it’s cold inside.
“I’ve experienced that. For the summer, they’re perfect – for the winter, not so good.”