Ex Royal Butler Reveals Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Shocking Secret With Prince Anne
The British royal family is known for its impeccable etiquette, but a former royal butler has spilled the beans on an unexpected habit of Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Princess Anne—how they prefer to drink their tea.
Grant Harrold, who served as King Charles’ personal butler at Highgrove for over six years, revealed that while the royal family often sticks to traditional protocols in public, they are far more casual behind closed doors. According to Harrold, William, Kate, and Anne choose to drink from simple mugs rather than delicate teacups and saucers.
“If you’re being entertained in the presence of the Royal Family or at one of their homes, it’s most likely you will drink out of a teacup and saucer,” Harrold shared with Coffee Friend. But when the setting is informal, the rules change.
“If you’re in the kitchen with Princess Anne or Kate and William during a less formal visit, you can be sure you’ll be given a mug,” he added, confirming that even royalty enjoys a more relaxed tea time when they’re off duty.
This revelation offers a rare glimpse into the everyday lives of the royals, proving that even future kings and queens appreciate the comforts of a simple cup of tea without the grandeur. While public engagements require a certain level of formality, their personal habits show that they aren’t as rigid as many might assume.
However, when it comes to King Charles, tradition still reigns supreme. Harrold explained that the monarch enjoys four cups of tea a day and insists on drinking it the traditional way—using a teacup and saucer.
Unlike many tea drinkers who add sugar or artificial sweeteners, Charles prefers a more natural touch to his beverages. While he skips sugar in his tea, he does indulge in honey when drinking coffee.
“The King does not take sugar or sweeteners in his tea, but when he wants something sweet, he opts to add honey to his coffee,” Harrold revealed, giving insight into the monarch’s refined yet simple preferences.
Harrold, who worked for the royal family from 2004 to 2011, had the opportunity to serve not only King Charles but also Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate, and even Prince Harry during his time at the palace. His firsthand experiences offer a fascinating look at the human side of the world’s most famous family.
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The butler’s latest revelations are a reminder that, despite their status, the royals have their own routines and preferences just like everyone else. The idea of William and Kate casually sipping tea from a mug in their kitchen paints a far more relatable picture than the usual grand portrayals of palace life.
Princess Anne’s inclusion in this habit is also unsurprising, given her reputation for being one of the most down-to-earth members of the royal family. Often described as practical and no-nonsense, Anne is known for her strong work ethic and lack of concern for royal frills.
While these details may seem minor, they add to the ongoing public fascination with the royals. Fans and royal watchers are always eager to learn more about what happens behind the palace walls, and even a small detail like their tea-drinking habits sparks curiosity.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time a former staff member has revealed quirks about the royal family’s personal lives. Over the years, ex-staffers have disclosed everything from Queen Elizabeth II’s strict breakfast routine to Prince Philip’s preference for barbecuing his own meals.
While some might view these tidbits as inconsequential, they play a significant role in shaping the public’s perception of the royals. The image of King Charles meticulously sipping tea from fine china while his son and daughter-in-law opt for a casual mug highlights the generational differences within the family.
Regardless of their choice of teacup, one thing is certain—tea remains a beloved staple in the royal household. Whether it’s enjoyed in the grandeur of Buckingham Palace or in a cozy kitchen setting, the tradition of tea-drinking continues to be a central part of royal life.
