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British Scandal
British Scandal

Harry v Wills | What The Butler Saw | 4

March 25, 2026 • 46m

Summary

⏱️ 21 min read

Overview

Former royal butler Grant Harold shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time serving King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Prince Harry. He reveals the playful practical jokes, strict protocols, and close bond between the brothers before their rift, while reflecting on the pressures of royal life and his unlikely path from Scotland to dancing with Queen Elizabeth.

First Encounters and Water Balloon Warfare

Grant Harold's introduction to Prince Harry was anything but formal. Instead of a traditional greeting, Harry ambushed him with water balloons at Highgrove, forcing Grant to escape through a tiny kitchen window only to be hit from above. This playful introduction revealed the fun-loving nature behind the royal formality and set the tone for Grant's unique experience working with the young princes.

  • Grant's first meeting with Harry involved being pelted with water balloons at Highgrove in 2004
  • He escaped through a small kitchen window but Harry continued the attack from upstairs
  • The practical jokes were essential for balancing the serious nature of royal duties
  • Grant was allowed to retaliate against William and Harry but never against the King
" I looked up and what he'd done he'd ran from the kitchen to the upstairs rooms leaned out the window and then started dropping the water balloons from above so now they were hitting me on my head "

The King's Legendary Practical Jokes

King Charles proved to be the master of practical jokes, orchestrating an elaborate ghost prank at Castle of May that left Grant terrified. After being told ghost stories late at night, Grant discovered a six-foot footman mannequin behind his bedroom door, leading to screaming and chaos. The King had planned the entire setup and revealed his involvement the next morning with characteristic understatement.

  • The housekeeper told ghost stories at Castle of May before leaving Grant alone to find his room
  • A six-foot mannequin of a footman was placed behind Grant's bedroom door as part of the prank
  • King Charles initially feigned sympathy before admitting he planned the entire practical joke
  • The King and princes couldn't compete with Charles's level of practical joking
" I couldn't physically close my jaw for screaming and when I stopped screaming all I could hear was this laughter echoing everywhere "
" I've got to tell you something. I said what sir he said I did know it I planned it and that's when I looked at him and he just started chuckling "

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