Prince Andrew Exposed? Former Royal Butler Claims Staff 'Never Said A Nice Thing' About Him

A former royal butler has claimed that palace staff had nothing positive to say about Prince Andrew, describing the disgraced former prince as someone who 'thought he was better than everyone,' in remarks made public just weeks after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Grant Harrold, who served King Charles III, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince Harry between 2004 and 2011, made the claims in an interview with LadBible on Wednesday, 18 March. He alleged that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's reputation among those who worked closest to him was, to put it mildly, far from admirable.

To recall, Andrew's removal from royal life has been both formal and sweeping. He lost his 'Royal Highness' and 'Prince' titles on 3 November 2025, via Letters Patent issued by King Charles, following his own announcement on 17 October 2025 that he would cease using them.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the formal removal process on 30 October, altering his official name to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Then, on 19 February this year, his 66th birthday, he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. He has not been charged with any offence.

What Prince Andrew's Former Butler Really Thought

Harrold was not especially guarded in what he shared. 'You got the feeling he thought he was better than everyone,' he told LadBible.

'I just didn't want to be in his presence.' Coming from a man who spent seven years at the heart of royal service, that reads as a considered recollection rather than a passing grievance.

He went further. 'He wasn't one of the most popular royals,' Harrold said, before making what is perhaps the most striking observation of the entire interview.

'From colleagues in the royal household, I never really heard anyone say a nice thing about him.' That is not the complaint of one disgruntled former employee. That is the suggestion of a collective view, built quietly over years behind closed palace doors.

Harrold also reflected on the relationship between King Charles and his brother, telling the Express US that the distance between them had always been apparent. 'I don't remember the King ever being particularly close to Prince Andrew,' he said.

'The royal household always knows what's coming. I think the King probably had an inkling something was wrong.' It was this instinct, Harrold suggested, that explains why Charles moved so decisively to strip Andrew of his titles when the moment arrived.

The Arrest That Separated Prince Andrew from the Royal Family

The allegations underlying Andrew's arrest are not new. He stands accused of passing confidential information to the late Jeffrey Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy, a claim he has consistently and vehemently denied.

Police said the arrest allowed them to question him under caution and to search properties for evidence as part of their ongoing investigation. The Crown Prosecution Service will determine whether charges are brought once those enquiries are concluded.

King Charles issued a public statement in the wake of the arrest, measured in tone but clear in direction. 'I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,' the King said.

'What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly, the law must take its course.'

The situation has been described as both sad and embarrassing for the entire family, with some saying it casts a shadow over everyone involved. That Andrew remains eighth in line to the British throne, his succession position unchanged despite the formal stripping of his titles, does nothing to make that any easier to absorb.