‘Never pop to Starbucks’: King Charles’ former butler Grant Harrold spills the beans on the royal family’s coffee orders

Grant Harrold worked for the Royal Family at Highgrove House between 2004 and 2011 and has since become an expert on all things etiquette. 

Now, the 47-year-old has spilled the beans on his former boss’ coffee preferences, as well as the orders of the royal’s famous relatives. 

According to the butler, King Charles prefers a cup of tea over a cup of coffee, much like his mother the late Queen Elizabeth.

However, when a cup of joe is on the menu, he forgoes sugar for a more natural sweetener. 

“The King has famously said he prefers to have honey instead of sugar, so he would opt for that instead,” Harrold told Coffee Friend.

“It actually isn’t too bad!” the expert added. 

According to Harrold, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Prince Harry are the real coffee pots in the family, and they enjoy their brews without frills and flavours. 

“I don’t think any of them would be ordering any speciality coffees – it would simply be a cup of coffee.”

He added: “They certainly didn’t have a fancy coffee machine in the palace when I was there. If you wanted a cup of coffee, it would be good and dependable instant coffee or brewed in a cafetiere before being put into a coffee pot.”

As for their preferred bites to compliment their brews, the royals are said to have a sweet tooth. 

“It isn’t a typical biscuit, but the Queen’s favourite sweet treat to have with a cup of tea was chocolate biscuit cake.

“The King’s favourite biscuit is a Bath Oliver biscuit. I used to give him a packet for his birthday!” 

But while the royals may enjoy their coffee and treats just like us, they’re certainly not dashing to their local coffee chain for their caffeine fix. 

“I think it’s safe to say I never saw the King or Queen pop to Starbucks during my time as the King’s butler!” Harrold joked.