Royal butler Grant Harrold discussed the “biggest misconception” about the late Queen’s attendance
From an outside perspective, the late Queen Elizabeth II had a balanced approach to King Charles and Queen Camilla’s royal wedding on 9 April 2005
By boycotting the civil ceremony but attending the religious blessing and the reception, she both upheld her role as the head of the Church of England, which did not agree with divorcées remarrying, and celebrated her son’s happiness. But what did the late monarch really think about Charles and Camilla’s union behind closed doors?
Former royal butler Grant Harrold, who worked for King Charles for seven years, was one of the few lucky guests invited to the intimate wedding. On Charles and Camilla’s anniversary, he has recalled “the biggest misconception” about the Queen’s attendance, and her secret “olive branch” to the newlyweds.
© Getty
Charles and Camilla had a civil marriage ceremony since they had both been previously married
“The Queen didn’t go to the actual Guildhall and the reason for that, we’re talking about 20 odd years ago, and back then, Charles was a divorcee marrying a catholic – all the things that have lost monarchy in the past, so possibly the Queen felt that being a traditionalist, she didn’t want to be at the blessing for personal reasons because her faith was very strong. She certainly was at the blessing at St George’s Chapel,” he began in an interview with Guides For Bride, before reiterating that she ensured her son knew he had her blessing.
“The biggest misconception about the wedding is that the Queen didn’t enjoy it or wasn’t supportive, it’s complete nonsense. There was talk about whether she would attend the service but her appearance at the reception was a joyful one. Her attendance and speech would have been seen as an olive branch to Charles and Camilla. Her blessing of the marriage. The royals don’t do things lightly and she would have not attended if she hadn’t been happy to,” he said.
While photos show the groom’s mother smiling with Charles and Camilla, the details of their drinks reception at St George’s Hall remained largely private. Sharing an insight into the celebrations, Grant described the Queen as “very funny.”
© Getty
Queen Elizabeth joined Prince Charles and his wife Camilla for their religious blessing in 2005
The butler painted a picture of a surprisingly normal wedding, complete with special moments between the groom and his mother and “a real party atmosphere” for the guests.
“Charles was grinning ear to ear the whole day. He was so happy,” said Grant, adding: “One of my fondest memories is the Queen gathering outside with friends and family to wave the newlyweds off in the car. She was waving and smiling excitedly. She looked like any other proud mother.”
The couple – who had previously been married to Andrew Parker Bowles and the late Princess Diana – announced their engagement on 10 February 2005.
© Getty
Royal butler Grant Harrold revealed the late Queen made a funny speech at the reception
Buckingham Palace had revealed their plans to marry just two months later on 8 April, but it was postponed by a day so Charles could travel to Vatican City to represent his mother at Pope John Paul II’s funeral.
2024 marks the couple’s 19th wedding anniversary, but they will likely celebrate the occasion privately.
The date is set to be tinged with sadness, as it not only marks the first time Charles hasn’t been in full health, following his cancer diagnosis in February, but also the third anniversary of his father Prince Philip’s death. The late Duke of Edinburgh died on 9 April 9 2021 at the age of 99 following a 73-year marriage with Queen Elizabeth II.
News
Simone Biles JUST MADE HISTORY With This NEW VAULT ROUTINE
Simone Biles JUST MADE HISTORY With This NEW VAULT ROUTINE . . . Simone Biles: A Triumphant Return and a Legacy of Greatness Simone Biles, widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, has once again captured the world’s…
‘Haters hate it, so I love that even more’: Simone Biles explains goat pendant backstory
Simone Biles has said the goat pendant she wore after winning her sixth Olympic gold medal, and her second of the Paris Games, was a reminder of those who doubted her. “It’s a little ode [the goat pendant] … I…
Simone Biles’ brilliant comeback and other takeaways from the individual all-around gymnastics final | CNN
Simone Biles is once again the Olympic gold medalist in individual all-around gymnastics after winning one of the most dramatic finals of these Paris Olympics. Biles held off a spirited challenge from brilliant Brazilian Rebeca Andrade, who once again won silver…
Eight Years Later, Simone Biles Wins Second Gold in Women’s All-Around Final; Suni Lee Secures Bronze
PARIS — Simone Biles’ place in gymnastics history reached new heights Thursday night. She took home a second gold medal in the women’s all-around final with a score of 59.131, narrowly beating Rebeca Andrade of Brazil eight years after earning her first….
Prince Harry ‘sparks Palace anger’ with ‘tasteless’ claims about late Queen
In recent interviews, Prince Harry has talked about the special bond he enjoyed with his late grandmother the Queen and claimed she supported him in his legal battles before his death – but according to a royal expert, this has…
Late Queen’s ‘heartbreaking’ two-word reaction after Prince Harry left Royal Family
A royal expert has claimed that the late Queen Elizabeth II was left heartbroken when her grandson Prince Harry made the decision to leave his senior royal role and move to the US Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex…
End of content
No more pages to load