Former Staffers Reveal How the Royal Family Rings in the New Year and Which Game They Always Play
It’s that time of year again when people all over the world prepare to ring in the New Year. As the calendar switches, many reflect on the past year and look forward to the one ahead. Most folks also plan celebrations or have annual traditions to ring in another year, and the royal family is no different.
Here’s what some former royal employees have revealed about how Britain’s most famous family celebrates each year.
How the royals celebrate at midnight
Grant Harrold was King Charles’ personal butler from 2004 to 2011. During his time working for the now-monarch, his duties included not only that of a butler but also valet, housekeeper, house manager, and driver. In addition to serving Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, Harrold also looked after Prince Harry, Prince William, and William’s then-girlfriend (formerly known as Kate Middleton).
Having spent the holidays with the senior royals for years, Harrold shared how they celebrate New Year’s Eve and involve their staff.
Speaking on behalf of Spin Genie, Harrold told Showbiz Cheat Sheet: “They choose the youngest member of staff, probably a young 18-year-old footman who is chosen to go outside just before midnight and do first footing to let the New Year in to bring in luck. He will come in and wish the family a Happy New Year and share a toast. They stay up until midnight and have a drinks party with people from the estate in the drawing room. It’s a nice tradition for one of the members of staff just starting out to join in with the family.”
Another tradition the family has on New Year’s every year is playing a game called Lucky Dip. According to author Brian Hoey, the late Queen Elizabeth II really enjoyed playing the game. Lucky Dip involves a tub filled with sawdust and hidden pieces of paper with predictions for the new year written on them. The royals call on the staff to present the tub at a certain time, so they can play.
What the royal family eats on New Year’s Day
When it comes to what they eat on New Year’s Day, a chef who used to cook for the family shares what they served.
Darren McGrady was a chef at Buckingham Palace for more than a decade. He cooked for Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and others. McGrady was later transferred to Kensington Palace, where he worked as Princess Diana’s personal chef until her death in 1997.
Speaking on behalf of Smooth Spins Casino, McGrady told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “I’d love to say that they had something different, but it’s a whole repeat of what they have on Christmas Day. New Year’s for the royal family was the same thing. They would have roast turkey, roast veg, and they would even have Christmas pudding again. The same with mince pies and all the chocolate. It was literally the same menu for New Year’s and the same buffet in the evening, too.”
