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Following King Charles’ ascension to the British throne in September 2022, a former butler who served him for seven years at Highgrove House, Gloucestershire, revealed his surprise at Charles’ decision to adopt the title Charles III instead of the speculated George VII. Grant Harrold, who worked for the king from 2004 to 2011, recounted a poignant conversation with the then-prince about his future royal title. The choice, officially announced after Queen Elizabeth II’s death, defied the expectations of close staff and sparked curiosity about monarchical traditions. The episode, reported in interviews with The Telegraph and Mirror, sheds light on life within the royal inner circle and the decision that defined the reign.
Harrold’s tenure as a royal butler was marked by unique moments serving Charles at his rural estate. He described the role as a “dream come true” and praised the monarch’s kind demeanor, noting he never raised his voice. Their close relationship allowed discussions about the future, including the sensitive topic of the royal title, a significant matter in the British monarchy.
- Key moments in Harrold’s career:
- Seven years of service at Highgrove House.
- Close interactions with Charles enabled talks about succession.
- Dismissal in 2011, during preparations for Charles’ ascension.
Tradition and speculation around royal names
Choosing a royal title is a symbolic decision in the British monarchy, often laden with historical and personal significance. Before the official announcement, speculation abounded that Charles might choose George VII to honor his grandfather, George VI, who reigned from 1936 to 1952. This possibility was discussed among Highgrove staff, as Harrold revealed. Opting for a different regnal name is not uncommon: George VI, born Albert Frederick Arthur George, adopted the name to signal continuity after Edward VIII’s abdication.
Queen Victoria, in 1837, was the first monarch to use a different regnal name, dropping Alexandrina for Victoria, while Edward VII, in 1901, set aside Albert to honor his mother’s request. Harrold recalled that Charles considered George VII, which would have reinforced ties to his grandfather’s legacy. The final choice of Charles III, however, caught even those closest to him off guard.
- Notable royal names in history:
- Queen Victoria: from Alexandrina Victoria to Victoria.
- Edward VII: from Albert Edward to Edward.
- George VI: from Albert Frederick Arthur George to George.
Behind the scenes of Charles’ decision
The conversation between Harrold and Charles, reported by The Telegraph, took place during a moment of reflection on succession. Charles mentioned the inevitable loss of a parent with the throne’s arrival, but Harrold’s focus was on the title. “He told me, ‘I could be Charles, but I could also be George VII,’” the ex-butler recounted. The possibility of George VII seemed strong, given Charles’ admiration for his grandfather and the name’s historical weight.
When Buckingham Palace announced Charles III, the surprise was widespread. Harrold, who had left royal service in 2011, watched the moment as an unexpected milestone. The choice reflected Charles’ intent to retain his birth name, a decision analysts saw as reinforcing his personal identity and public trajectory as a prince.
Rei Charles III – Foto: InstagramImpact of the choice on the monarchy
Charles’ decision to adopt Charles III sparked discussions about monarchical tradition and modernization of the Crown. The name Charles carries historical echoes: Charles I, executed in 1649, and Charles II, known for the monarchy’s restoration in 1660, are notable figures. Choosing his birth name was seen as a bold yet authentic move, given the weight of his predecessors.
Harrold, now an etiquette expert, emphasized Charles’ personality as a key factor. “He’s a kind man, devoted to duty,” he said. This view is echoed by other staff, who describe Charles as approachable yet resolute. The title choice, though surprising, aligns with his approach to balancing tradition and modernity.
- Aspects of Charles’ personality noted by Harrold:
- Kindness and accessibility with staff.
- Commitment to royal duties since Highgrove.
- Reflection on the emotional weight of succession.
History of royal names in the British monarchy
The tradition of choosing distinct regnal names dates back centuries and reflects the monarchy’s complexity. Each decision is strategic, aiming to project continuity, stability, or innovation. George VI’s choice, for instance, sought to ease tensions after the 1936 abdication crisis. Edward VII, by avoiding Albert, honored Queen Victoria’s wish to preserve her husband’s name as unique.
Charles, by choosing Charles III, broke from the expectation of following his grandfather’s pattern. The decision was interpreted as a sign of confidence in his own legacy but also sparked curiosity about the factors at play. According to Harrold, the Highgrove atmosphere was one of constant speculation, with staff debating the impact of a name like George VII on the reign.
- Facts about royal names in the monarchy:
- Only three modern monarchs chose different names.
- Choices reflect political or personal intentions.
- Charles III is the first Charles since the 17th century.
Reactions to the choice of Charles III
Charles’ decision reverberated among the public and press. While some praised the authenticity of keeping his birth name, others wondered if George VII would have strengthened ties to George VI, a beloved king for his wartime leadership. British media, like the Mirror, highlighted the surprise among former staff, while royal analysts noted the choice reflected Charles’ straightforward nature.
Harrold, in interviews, stressed that the decision did not diminish the staff’s respect. “It was a shock, but he always knew what he wanted,” he said. The choice also reignited discussions about the role of regnal names in shaping the monarchy’s image, especially during a transition after Elizabeth II’s long reign.
- Reactions to Charles III’s choice:
- Surprise among former Highgrove staff.
- Media debates on the name’s symbolism.
- Praise for Charles’ authenticity.
Highgrove’s legacy in shaping Charles
Highgrove House, where Harrold served, was more than a residence for Charles. Acquired in 1980, the rural estate became a retreat where he developed environmental projects and solidified his vision as future king. Harrold described the atmosphere as warm, with Charles engaging closely with staff. This closeness enabled rare conversations, like the one about the regnal title, revealing the monarch’s human side.
The Highgrove years also marked Charles’ preparation for the throne, with staff witnessing his dedication to causes like sustainability and charity. The choice of Charles III, observers suggest, reflects this phase of building a distinct identity, separate from his mother, Elizabeth II.
- Highgrove’s significance for Charles:
- Hub for environmental and social projects.
- Space for close staff interactions.
- Place of reflection on his future reign.
