King Charles’ former butler reveals surprising royal protocol rules

Grant Harold knows something or two about the royal protocol.

The literature expert was Betrler King Charles III from 2004 to 2011. He recently wrote notes, The Royal Butler: My wonderful life in the royal service, “ Which separates his experience in serving the upper royal family.

“I think many people assume that when you meet the royal family, it is supposed to bend or Corcy,” Harold told Fox News Digital.

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King Charles III and Queen Camilla were seen to a government banquet on March 29, 2023, in Berlin, Germany. (Chris Jackson/Getti Emima)

“You don’t do it. The ownership site states that it is not required – it is a completely personal choice. Even the king has a discussion with me on this topic.” When you bend or set up, you do it to the title. You do not do it for a person. “

Harold noticed that when meeting members of the royal family for the first time, etiquette calls for allowing them to lead.

Catherine, Amira Wales, performs Cori for King Charles III while attending Catherine, the Duchess of Kent in the Cathedral Westminster on September 16, 2025, in London, England. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

“When you meet them, you should let them lead shaking hands and conversation,” he said. “Some people feel extremely nervous, saying:” I don’t know what to talk to them. I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what to do. “Remember people – let them guide them.

The Grant Harold, “The Royal Butler: Lifetal Life In Royal Service”, is now. (Begasos Books)

Even in luxurious government banquets, Harold said that members of the royal family prefer to keep things simple.

“What people may surprise is that when they sit in these complex royal tables, with all table tools and glass tools, they believe this is the main challenge. What really matters is the conversation,” said Harold. “The king will speak to the guest on his right during the main path, then move to the guest on his left for the Hero and coffee.”

Princess Diana attends the country’s reception in Austria, around 1986. (George de Kerl/Getty Imach)

“This causes a chain reaction,” said Harold. “Everyone has someone who talks to him. You don’t talk or scream on the table – you are only talking to the person next to you. But it begins with the kingAnd because the table is appointed with marital numbers, everyone is associated. It is a funny old base. “

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While some royal rules endured, others were abandoned.

“Do not start eating until the king begins, and when it ends, the paintings are moved,” said Harold. “These are the rules of very old ethics. One of the rules that no longer exists is walking back – you can no longer do this anymore. Now, when leaving it, you can simply get away and move away.”

Catherine, Amira Wales, Curtsies during the Rabat service order at Windsor Castle on June 19, 2023, in Windsor, England. (Swimming pool/Samir Hussein/Skimij/Getty Pictures)

British broadcaster and photographer, Helena Shard, told Fox News Digital Some fashion rules for women Relax over the years.

Diana, Amira Wales, sees a meeting with the wife of the Angolan President. (Tim Graham Photo Library via Getti Emiez)

She said: “Contrary to the common belief, the mandatory royal protocol of women is no longer a tight dress.”

Catherine, Amira Wales, meets with members of the public during a march on October 6, 2022, in Carkevirgus, Northern Ireland. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

“The late Queen Elizabeth II preferred women in naked tight dress, believing that she gave a polished look. These days, it is a personal choice. Princess Diana has often avoided the socks, using tanning oil instead. Since the death of the Queen, we saw Princess Kate to build more powerful power suits – something that Elizabeth was not keen on her reign.”

But there is still one fashion base in place.

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Kate Middleton arrives to join a workshop managed by the National Photo Exhibition Hospital program at Evlina Children’s Hospital on January 28, 2020, in London, England. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

“Princess Kate endured many fashion accidents“Including the skirts that fly in the true style of Marilyn Monroe, Queen Elizabeth presented it to a secret weapon – the curtain of weights in her clothes. They kept clothes hanging properly, and did not suffer from the embarrassing moments of Marilyn,” said Shard.

“While wearing lipstick, Royals should always rise from the same place on a cup to avoid elimination,” he said. British Royal Fordotch expert Hillary. “Handbags are transferred to the left, after imitating the queen.”

Queen Elizabeth II puts lipstick at the Royal Fund at the Windsor Horse Fair on May 11, 1985. (David Livinson/Getti Emaiz)

Royal expert Ian Bilham Turner Fox News Digitter told a good reason for Usually the late Queen’s handbag: I used it to give secret signals during public picnics.

Queen Elizabeth II attends the launch of Queen Patton’s departure to Bermeengham 2022, the twenty -third Commonwealth games, at Buckingham Palace on October 7, 2021, in London, England. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

“She moved her from one hand to another indicates that she is bored and ready to go forward,” he said.

Not only women who follow fashion rules.

“The boys in the royal family are still wearing short pants,” said Royal commentator Amanda Mata. “They do not wear long trousers until the age of eight, and it is a tradition related to the history of class and fashion.”

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Kate Middleton and PRINCE George attend the game Gigaset Charity Polo in Beauty Polo Club on June 14, 2015, in Tetbury, England. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Fordotch said its favorite “royal rule” includes the use of specific words to remain primarily and appropriate.

King Charles and Queen Camilla creates a perfume while visiting the Fragonard Laboratory Station in EZE, near Nice, south of France, on May 7, 2018. (Boris Horvat/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

“There are vocabulary etiquette,” Fordwich said. “Royals do not say” toilet ” – it’s” toilet “or” if “.” Perfumes ” – it’s” smell “. Not” dessert “, but always” Boding “.

Some royal experts admit that some rules can use a modern update.

King Charles III (in the center to the left) delivers a speech at a government banquet for President Donald Trump on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. (Andrew Caballero -Rynolds – Pool/Getty Images)

“One of the traditions that I think is ready for change is that the royal family” weighed “before and after the Christmas dinner.” “

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip put the finishing touches of the Christmas tree in an unprecedented image at Windsor Castle. (Getty Images)

Sharad added that the guests were expected to earn three to five pounds during the holidays to show that they were enjoying their meals.

One plate you will not see in the royal list is oyster.

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Queen Elizabeth II is watching the race while she is attending the day of the Dubai League in Newbury Racecouse on April 19, 2013, in Newbury, England. According to the British broadcaster and photographer Helena Shard, the oysters are not part of any royal list during a special event. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

“He is outside the list,” said Shard. “Oyster poisoning can hold for several days – not a lot of fun when you have a hard table.”

Darren McGradi, a 15 -year -old royal chef, also told the cooking of five American presidents, in the past for Fox News Digital that guests could expect a lot of etiquette during a government banquet.

Queen Camilla and King Charles chant the sunglasses at the Lunch of the Great Jubilee on June 5, 2022, in London, England. (Chris Jackson/Getti Emima)

“You will not take a banana from the stairs and peel it like a monkey,” said McCharsadi. You can cut it into rings and eat it with a fork

France President Emmanuel Macron (left) is smiling while King Charles III delivers a speech during a government banquet at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025. (Yui Mok/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

“Grapes are the easiest option because they are served in small bouquets. Pineapple may look complete on the table, but slices have already been – raised the top, and you will find rings with removal of centers. If things are messy, finger vessels are provided with warm water to clean your hands.”

Preparing the table for a government banquet in the Saint George Hall on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. (Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

“I remember one banquet from the state, as the guests believed that it was a tradition to drink from the finger bowl,” McCharsadi said. “No one corrected them – at a government banquet, you just communicate with it.”

Royal expert Richard Fitzwaliams Fox News Digitter told the royal family to be proud of traditions, they relaxed on one strict base.

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Queen Elizabeth II and former Prince Charles during the opening of the parliament’s state at Westminster Palace on October 14, 2019, in London, England. (Paul Pool/Getty Images)

“Queen Elizabeth’s touch was one day a sensitive protocol,” Fitzuelials said. Paul Kiting, then Australian Prime Minister, put his arm around the Queen in 1992, which sparked fierce criticism and gained the title of “Oz Lesbian”. But when Michelle Obama put her arm About the Queen’s shoulder in 2009 – and the mutual queen – became famous. “

Fitzwaliams said that members of the royal family today are still getting rid of some ancient hardness – a possibility to grow.

Prince William is presented to personal photos after visiting the community center and the youth center in the Soutoark region in London on April 24, 2025. (Aaron Chown/ Pool/ AFP via Getty Images)

“The king, as many noticed, could be completely sensitive,” said Fitozleliaz. “Royal customs have eased on selfies – they are still frustrated, but exceptions are made sometimes.”