Grant Harrold, the former royal butler to King Charles, has issued a stark warning about the critical errors that can sabotage romantic occasions like Valentine's Day. This comes after reports emerged that the King and Queen Camilla opted for an unconventional dinner celebration, deviating from traditional intimate settings.
Planning and Presentation: The Foundation of Romance
Harrold, who served the monarch from 2004 to 2011, emphasized that overlooking the occasion entirely is a major misstep. "So many people forget, or leave it to the last minute, so they don't have enough time to do something special or meaningful," he exclusively told Reach PLC. "You need to think ahead so you can make sure you make a proper effort."
He also highlighted that dressing smartly is non-negotiable, calling neglect in this area a "big red flag" on any romantic date. Whether it's a first encounter or a long-term relationship, Harrold stated: "They should be trying to impress you, not just throwing on whatever they had on yesterday."
Choosing the Perfect Venue and Menu
Selecting an appropriate location is another common pitfall. The etiquette expert stressed that effort in finding the right spot is crucial, noting it doesn't necessarily mean the most expensive option. For those in new relationships, he advised paying close attention to dietary preferences.
"If it's a first date, have they dropped any hints about their favourite type of food? Is there anything they hate?" Harrold questioned. "Also, check if they're vegetarian before booking a steak restaurant."
The Digital Dilemma: Phones at the Table
In today's social media-driven era, Harrold maintained that photographing meals should be strictly avoided during romantic settings. "No phones at the table," he emphasized. "You need to make sure it stays romantic. Some people get so carried away with Valentine's Day social media posts."
He observed this phenomenon frequently, adding: "They've got their phones at the table so they can take pictures - but it's so important to give the person you're spending it with your full attention." Harrold concluded: "Put your phone away. You're not on a date with your phone - you're on a date with the person you love."
Insights into Royal Tastes and Traditions
Harrold, author of The Royal Butler: My Remarkable Life of Royal Service, waited on Charles and other royals at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire. Having previously shared details about the King's culinary preferences, he disclosed: "He champions both traditional and modern food. He loves vegetables and has a vegetable garden at Highgrove. Vegetables are always on the menu."
The former butler added: "If he's having a snack, he's not going to be sitting there with a packet of crisps."
King Charles and Queen Camilla's Unconventional Celebration
Last year, Charles reportedly treated Camilla to a Valentine's dinner that broke from conventional intimacy. According to sources, the couple, who celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary in April, were accompanied by approximately ten close friends.
"It was a quiet dinner for close friends - about 12 in all. The King and Queen then spent the whole weekend in Windsor, which is quite unusual," a source revealed. This departure from typical romantic norms underscores the varied approaches to celebrating love, even within royal circles.
Harrold's advice serves as a timely reminder for all couples seeking to create meaningful connections, whether through grand gestures or simple, attentive moments free from digital distractions.
