King’s Ex-Butler Names the "Perfect Royal" Set to Become the Next Princess Anne
King Charles’s former butler draws a surprising comparison between two royal women and reveals why one could be vital to William’s future reign.
Princess Anne, long regarded as the hardest-working royal, has earned immense respect for her unwavering dedication to public duty. Now, a former royal aide believes another family member is well-positioned to follow in her footsteps.
With fewer working family members available to take on official duties than during Queen Elizabeth's reign, King Charles relies on a smaller inner circle. Among them, Duchess Sophie has stood out for her dependability. Speaking to GB News, Grant Harrold, the King’s former butler at Highgrove House, praised Sophie as the “perfect royal,” drawing a comparison with Princess Anne.
Harrold said, “Sophie is known as a trustworthy and hardworking member of the Royal Family, a reputation she’s earned through decades of hard work.” He further explained that Sophie has consistently used her platform to champion causes close to her heart, even when she wasn't the center of attention. Recalling her deep ties to the monarchy, Harrold added that after first meeting her in 1999, he firsthand witnessed her close relationship with the late Queen.
“She is the next generation's Princess Anne. They share many of the same qualities. Like Princess Anne, Sophie will always be a member of the family that the King trusts,” the former Palace staff added. “She is reliable and is really just the overall perfect royal. The family has always trusted her to carry out her engagements.”
Harrold also noted that Sophie’s role within the Royal Family has grown stronger in recent years, with the Duchess becoming a “steady influence” for Charles. He explained that she continues to work hard “in the background” and remains a “reliable constant” for the family. He described the bond between Charles and Sophie as similar to that of siblings, saying, “Sophie and the King have a brother-sister-like relationship.”
Drawing parallels between Sophie and Anne, the former royal butler noted that both women have earned the King’s trust through their dedication to royal duties. He pointed out that the Duchess is stepping into a role the Princess Royal has filled for decades, as both share a similar work ethic and prefer to get things done without fuss. He also highlighted Sophie’s future importance to Prince William and said, “She will be a matriarch for the Royal Family and a vital asset to future King William.”
