A former royal butler has shared his thoughts on how the monarchy could evolve once Prince William becomes king, suggesting that Windsor might regain its status as the monarchy’s central hub.
Grant Harrold, who served King Charles from 2004 to 2011, told reporters that William’s more modern and grounded approach to royal life could bring notable changes to how the royal family operates. One potential shift could involve moving away from Buckingham Palace as the monarchy’s primary base.
This conversation comes after it was revealed that William, along with his wife Kate Middleton and their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—will be moving into Forest Lodge, which Harrold described as their “forever home.”
“William has talked about ‘Royal’ starting with a lower ‘r’, as well as describing their new house as their ‘forever home,’” Harrold said. He added that this approach reflects a broader, more approachable vision for the monarchy, one that emphasizes family life and accessibility rather than strict adherence to tradition.
“I have a theory that the court is going to move to Windsor one day in the coming years. I think it’ll become the hub of the monarchy once again,” Harrold predicted.
He pointed out that Buckingham Palace only became the central symbol of royal authority during Queen Victoria’s reign, implying that a return to Windsor could reconnect the monarchy with its historical roots while allowing a new, modernized leadership style under William.
Harrold also noted that William’s vision for the royal family seems more personal and less formal. By emphasizing the lowercase ‘r’ in “royal,” the prince appears to signal a shift toward a monarchy that feels more relatable and less rigid to the public.
While Buckingham Palace has long been synonymous with British royalty, Harrold believes William’s plans could mark a historic transformation in how the monarchy presents itself. Moving the court to Windsor, coupled with William and Kate’s focus on family-centered residences, could reshape the perception of the royal family both at home and abroad.
For now, Buckingham Palace remains the seat of royal tradition, but the former butler’s insights suggest that change may be on the horizon when William ascends the throne, blending modern sensibilities with centuries-old heritage.