Grant Harrold, a former butler who served the Royal Family, has shared candid insights into his experiences with Prince Andrew, the King's disgraced brother. Harrold, who worked for King Charles, Queen Camilla, and their sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, described Andrew as having a distinct "vibe" that made him reluctant to be in his presence.
Limited Interactions with a Discernible Attitude
Harrold explained that his interactions with Andrew were infrequent, but when they did occur, the prince was polite on the surface. However, he noted a palpable "entitled feeling" that permeated these encounters. "You know, there would be a kind of thank you or whatever, but there was also this feeling of, as a lot of people describe – entitled," Harrold told LADbible Stories. "You got the feeling he thought he was better than everyone, just his mannerisms and his...the way he was."
A Stark Contrast to Other Royals
What struck Harrold as particularly unusual was that this attitude seemed unique to Andrew among the Royal Family. "And what was weird for me was no other member of the family did you get that vibe from, not from the Queen, not from Prince Philip, not from his brother, Charles, not from Anne, none of them," he recounted. This contrast made Andrew's demeanor all the more noticeable and unsettling for staff members.
Uncomfortable Presence and Staff Sentiments
Harrold admitted, "But with him, he had this, I can't even explain it to you. I just didn't want to be in his presence. I mean, you know, luckily, I didn't have to do much for him." He further alleged that none of his colleagues in the royal household "ever have a nice thing to say" about Andrew, suggesting widespread discomfort among staff. Harrold added that Andrew wasn't "one of the most popular royals," reinforcing the perception of his unpopularity within palace circles.
Specific Incidents Highlighting Aloofness
Recalling the King and Queen's wedding, Harrold claimed that Andrew "didn't speak" to staff members who were attending as guests, choosing instead to converse only with family or family friends. He described this behavior as "sad," though he conceded he didn't know "why he was like that." This incident underscored the prince's perceived aloofness and lack of engagement with those outside his immediate social circle.
Brotherly Dynamics and Public Fallout
Harrold also touched on the relationship between Andrew and King Charles, noting that he doesn't recall them "being that close." In contrast, he pointed out that Charles is "absolutely" close to his sister, Princess Anne. Harrold theorised that perhaps the King always had an "inkling" about Andrew's character, adding that he got the impression they weren't "particularly close." This insight comes amid Andrew's highly publicised fall from grace, linked to his associations with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Recently, Thames Valley Police arrested Andrew on suspicion of misconduct in public office last month on his 66th birthday. Andrew, who continues to deny any wrongdoing, was released under investigation. Harrold's revelations add a personal dimension to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the disgraced former prince, highlighting how his demeanor affected those who worked closely with the Royal Family.
