King Charles arrived at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire on Tuesday (August 18) for the Royal Family's annual summer retreat, dressed in a traditional tartan kilt. His former royal butler has disclosed one non-negotiable item the monarch always packs in his suitcase.
Bizarre item always packed for emergencies
Grant Harrold, who served as the King's butler from 2004 to 2011, explained that the Royal Family pack for every eventuality. He said: "The Royal Family tend to pack for every eventuality. They look at where they're travelling and prepare for all scenarios, whether that's warmer weather overseas or the cooler conditions you can get in Scotland."
Harrold revealed: "One item that is always packed is a black tie, just in case there is a death or an occasion requiring mourning attire while they are away. The Royal Family have always followed the approach of being overdressed rather than under-dressed."
Other morbid travel precautions
This is not the only morbid precaution the Royal Family take when travelling. They follow an old rule that means two heirs to the throne do not travel on the same aircraft to protect the line of succession in case of a fatal accident. The rule applies once the younger heir turns 12, meaning Prince William and his son Prince George no longer travel together.
Harrold dismissed a rumour that the King brings his own toilet seat everywhere. He said: "This idea is completely untrue. He packs like anyone else would, taking the essentials he needs for the destination and making sure he is prepared for different situations."
King's painting passion
Another item the King always packs is his watercolour painting set. Harrold explained: "Painting is a real passion of his, particularly when he's in Scotland, and it's something he enjoys doing during his downtime."
The Royal Family spend a portion of their summer holidays at the Scottish Highlands estate each year. Balmoral Castle has been a summer getaway for the monarchy for more than 170 years, after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert completed the purchase of the estate in 1852. The late Queen Elizabeth was known to be very fond of her Scottish home, where she chose to peacefully pass away in 2022.
