King Charles and the Royal family hail from a rich lineage of heritage and tradition, which comes with numerous etiquette rules and protocols.
A former Royal butler has now shed light on what’s expected of guests, including how to interact with a Royal for the first time, the workings of a Royal banquet, and the old school rules at Buckingham Palace. Grant Harrold, who served as a Royal butler for seven years catering to King Charles and Queen Camilla from 2004 to 2011 at Highgrove House, has shared insights into the Royal family’s lifestyle.
He’s also revealed what people don’t need to do when greeting royals, and what would still be expected of them in his book, The Royal Butler: My Remarkable Life in Royal Service.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, he debunked the widespread myth that one must bow to senior royals. He clarified, “I think a lot of people assume that when you meet the royal family, you’re supposed to bow or curtsy.”
“You don’t. The monarchy’s website states it isn’t required – it’s entirely a personal choice. The king even had a discussion with me about it. He said, ‘When you bow or curtsy, you’re doing it to the title. You’re not doing it to the person.'”
He also disclosed that if it’s someone’s first encounter with a royal, it’s crucial to let them take the lead and determine how they wish to be addressed, reports the Mirror US. He added, “When you meet them, you should let them lead the handshake and the conversation.
“Some people get so nervous, saying, ‘I don’t know what to talk to them about. I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what to do.’ I remind people – let them guide it. They don’t ask tricky questions. They keep it lighthearted and easy.”
He also revealed how during Royal dinners, the King will converse with the guest seated to his right for half the meal before switching to the guest on his left. The reasoning behind this is obvious as Harrold explained, “You don’t talk or shout across the table – you only speak to the person next to you.”
While dining feels conversational and more casual, one protocol remains firm as Harrold noted, “You don’t start eating until the king begins, and when he finishes, the plates are taken away.
“These are very old etiquette rules. One rule that no longer exists is walking backwards – you don’t have to do that anymore. Now, when leaving their presence, you can simply turn and walk away.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.the-express.com ’
