Royal Butler Reveals William, Kate’s 2007 Dinner Changed Relationship Dynamics

Former royal butler Grant Harrold, who served King Charles and witnessed Prince William and Kate Middleton's relationship firsthand, reveals that the couple's reconciliation after their 2007 split was marked by a private, romantic Valentine's Day dinner in 2008 at Highgrove House. This intimate meal, which Harrold described as special and a turning point, showed a significant change in their dynamic, with William and Kate acting more like a couple and no longer just friends. Harrold recalls how the younger royals, including Prince Harry and Princess Kate, adopt a more modern and informal approach to royal etiquette, often engaging in handshakes, fist bumps, and even hugs when meeting the public. The butler highlights that although William is well-versed in traditional protocol, he and Kate prefer less formality, often enjoying meals away from the dining room and avoiding fuss. Harrold also expresses his conviction at the time of the dinner that William and Kate were destined to marry, a prediction that proved true with their 2011 wedding and growing family. His new memoir, "The Royal Butler: My Remarkable Life of Royal Service," offers these insights into royal life and the evolving customs within the monarchy.