King Charles' Former Butler Recalls the 'Fun' Christmas Moment Between William and Harry

Prince William laughing with his brother Prince Harry during The Trooping the Colour Parade (Cover Image Source: Getty | Tim Graham Photo Library)

Dec. 25 2025, Published 08:49 AM. ET

Although things have changed drastically today, there was a time when Prince William and Prince Harry were true partners in crime. While the brothers, now no longer seem to see eye to eye, their earlier years were filled with laughter, pranks, and a genuine sense of togetherness. Christmas and other festive occasions were when they truly let their mischievous sides shine, often turning the atmosphere around them into something lively and fun.

Prince Harry and Prince William attend the Coach Core graduation ceremony at The London Stadium (Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Toby Melville - WPA Pool)

Recently, the King’s former butler, Grant Harrold, shared one such lighthearted anecdote from the past. Speaking to The Independent, Harrold recalled a Christmas celebration where William and Harry even ended up having a playful fight during one of the many parties, much to the amusement of those around them. Reflecting on those moments, Harrold said, “They were great fun. Wow, it is so different now,” highlighting just how much has changed between the once inseparable brothers.

“It’s so different – and I know this for a fact. But, back then, it was great fun. There was only, well, what was it? A hundred of us, back then. Ninety of us? That’s, believe it or not, not a lot for a royal household, back then. It used to be twenty. We used to go to The Ritz for dinner, twenty of them, including the Prince and princes of Wales," revealed the former royal employee about the royals' Christmas parties. He further explained how Christmas parties were fun back in those days.

Prince William and Prince Harry watch the athletics during the Invictus Games. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images| Max Mumby/Indigo) — Prince William and Prince Harry watch the athletics during the Invictus Games (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)

“So, when I was there, it was ninety to a hundred. And you’d arrive, and you’d be given a drink, and what was extraordinary for me was suddenly, there you are, mixing with the (then) Prince of Wales (King Charles) and the Duchess of Cornwall (Queen Camilla) and William and Harry," he elaborated. Talking about said fight, Harrold added that there was a magician at the party that the brothers started their play-fight.

“William started blowing up balloons and sending them over to me. You know where you blow it up and let the air out, and I was doing this back to him, thinking, ‘am I supposed to do this?’ He was doing it to his father, and then Harry started doing it," explained Harrold. Soon after, he chimed in that the brothers started creating havoc and entertaining everyone. The former butler also reflected on the fact that things are not the same anymore given Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, left the royal house and have even resigned from their duties.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Royal Pavilion during an official visit to Sussex on October 3, 2018. Image Source: Getty Images | Karwai Tang — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Royal Pavilion during an official visit to Sussex on October 3, 2018 (Image Source: Getty Images | Karwai Tang)

This is the seventh year that Harry will not be celebrating Christmas with the royal family. While there were murmurs that King Charles might call his son over Skype this year, or even invite him for the celebration, the latter does not seem to be a possibility, given the current developments. However, if Harry's security plea passes through in the coming months, we might soon see a royal reunion, where he and his family might visit the United Kingdom after years of hiatus.