It’s a story of aspiration, discipline, and the unlikely closeness that can exist between servants and the very highest levels of society. Harrold offers a unique vantage point, having served King Charles III (when Prince of Wales), Queen Camilla, and others at Highgrove House in the Cotswolds.
From Childhood Dream to Royal Service
One of the strongest threads through the book is Harrold’s lifelong fascination with royalty. He grew up dreaming not just of meeting the Royals, but of working behind the scenes — of joining that world of etiquette, tradition, and quiet service.
He describes humble beginnings, his early jobs in service (cleaning, polishing, preparing), and the training (both formal and on-the-job) required to become a butler. The preparation is rigorous, often unseen, and demands both humility and constant attention to detail. It’s not glamorous all the time — but for Harrold, it’s a vocation.
Life at Highgrove: Tradition, Humanity, and Moments of Magic
Harrold paints Highgrove not simply as a stately home, but as a living workplace, full of people with personalities, friendships, and quirks. It’s easy to assume that everything royal is staid and formal; one of the pleasures of the memoir is seeing how often humour, kindness, and humanity peep through.
Some memorable anecdotes:
Harrold recalls his first meeting with the late Queen Elizabeth II at a banquet and how nerves, formality, and the pressure of doing things “right” were intense. There’s a real sense of what it means to suddenly be in close quarters with someone so revered.
He also recounts observing moments in the lives of Prince William and Kate Middleton before they became the Prince and Princess of Wales — dinners, conversations, and the growth of a relationship that would eventually become public and central. Harrold observes how their behaviour signalled their deepening commitment.
Etiquette, Change & Modernising Traditions
Although steeped in tradition, The Royal Butler does not pretend that nothing changes. Harrold reflects on how younger royals adopt a more relaxed style in certain contexts, how public-facing demeanors are evolving, and how etiquette itself must adapt for modern times.
For example, the younger members of the Royal Family are more willing to interact informally, to break strict protocols in ways that build warmth or accessibility. Harrold seems to view this change positively: a sign that tradition can coexist with approachability.
What the Book Offers (and What It Doesn’t)
What it does offer:
Insight into daily ritual. The real work of royal service — preparing meals, setting tables, managing staff relations, polishing silver, anticipating needs — all these are shown in detail. This gives a sense of respect for the work behind the scenes.
Humanity at the heart of hierarchy. Despite being “in service” to people of great formality and protocol, Harrold’s stories emphasise that Royals are people too — with kindnesses, small mistakes, expectations, and warmth.
An aspirational journey. Harrold’s story reminds us that dreams sometimes start small, and that perseverance, attention to craft, and humility matter.
What it does not offer (or less of):
Scandal or major gossip. While there are revealing moments, the memoir is less about juicy royal intrigue and more about the rhythms, challenges, and small victories of service. The tone is respectful, not sensationalist.
A focus on political or constitutional critique. The book is personal; it is not about how the monarchy should or shouldn’t be run.
Themes & Reflections
Service and vocation. Harrold treats butlering not just as a job, but as a calling. There’s pride in doing things well, in knowing the rituals, in making sure no detail is overlooked.
Bridging worlds. He moves between contrasting social spheres — growing up in Scotland, doing manual service work, then entering an elite environment. That creates tension but also perspective: what does it mean to serve, to observe, to learn the unspoken codes of behaviour?
Tradition vs modernity. How do ancient protocols survive in a changing world? Harrold offers hope that tradition can adapt without losing integrity.
Respect, humility & dignity. The key qualities for service. Not just about knowing how to polish silver or lay a table, but treating people with respect, remembering small personal details, being present (even when invisible), and doing the small things well.
For Whom This Book Will Appeal
Anyone fascinated by the monarchy and what life behind the scenes might look like.
Readers interested in etiquette, service professions, hospitality, and rituals.
Those drawn to memoirs of people who start in modest circumstances and find paths to very different worlds—but remain grounded.
People who enjoy personal stories rather than gossip-filled exposes.
Conclusion
The Royal Butler is a quietly compelling memoir. It doesn't promise royal secrets, but it delivers something arguably rarer: a window into what it actually takes to be part of the machinery, tradition, and humanity of the Royal Household. For all its formality and centuries-old protocols, the heart of the book is still about people — their humility, their kindnesses, their mistakes, and the love that service can inspire.
Grant Harrold has shown that behind the silver polish, the fine china, the formality, there is a deeply human world. And that is worth reading.
Published by Orion Books £22.00 in hardback. However, if you order here: https://amzn.to/4pD4ah8 you'll be able to buy it on Amazon for £11.23 in hardback, £10.99 in paperback and £12.99 in Kindle, for instant access. This is via the That's Books and Entertainment online bookshop.
My wife who is not a Royalist, said: "This was an amazing book, it really shows the human side of the members of the Royal family. I think this will make a great Christmas gift for Royalists and also for people like me who love to read non-fiction biographical books."
