Will This Popular British Royal Couple Move to Australia Because the Lifestyle There Suits Them?
There’s been a lot of talk lately about Britain’s royal family and its relationship with Australia following the news that a petition from Beyond Australia amassed more than 35,000 signatures demanding that no taxpayers’ money be spent on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s upcoming trip.
Now, someone who used to work for King Charles is sharing just how important Australia is to the royals, plus which couple calls it their “second home” and reportedly considered a move Down Under.
Grant Harrold was King Charles’ butler for seven years. During his time working for the now-monarch, Harrold’s duties included those of valet, housekeeper, house manager, and driver. He also looked after Prince Harry, Prince William, and Kate whenever they stayed at Highgrove House. Since leaving the royal household, he’s become one of the U.K.’s leading etiquette experts, a best-selling author, and a royal commentator.
Speaking on behalf of Joe Fortune, Harrold told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “[Australia] has obviously been a part of the British Empire and then became part of the Commonwealth. They kept the King as Head of State even though they are so far away, and I think the King probably would like to keep it that way under the Crown and still be the head of state. He doesn’t like change, so he’ll be keen to keep close to Australia. He doesn’t like all these countries when they break away because obviously it diminishes the royal family.”
Harrold also talked about how special Australia is to the king’s niece, Zara, and her husband, Mike Tindall, who met at a bar there and refer to the country as their “second home.”
“I think for Mike and Zara — it’s absolutely the fact they met there is probably going to hold a special place in their heart and it’s a beautiful country,” Harrold said. “While they love the country, I don’t think they would move there officially.
“I don’t see them wanting to relocate because I think Zara’s heart’s very much still in the U.K. and with her mum [Princess Anne]. Her friends are also here and she loves London life. I just don’t see them totally relocating, but it’s definitely a place they visit regularly. Zara is too close to her mother. I could be eating my words, but I do not see that happening.”
However, Harrold did acknowledge that the Australian lifestyle does suit Zara and Mike, noting, “That world of horses and horse racing is what Zara loves. It does tick all the boxes as a better climate. I’m sure they’ve got friends there, so it’s become a second home for them.”
The former royal butler also praised Mike and how well he’s always fit in and got along well with everyone in Zara’s family, saying, “He is so funny. Mike’s always been Mike. He’s such a great asset. When I met him at royal events, he’s still the exact same. The few times you ever saw him with the queen, he was just himself. He hasn’t changed.
“As far as family members, he gets on really well with his mother-in-law, Anne. He also gets on with the king. He gets on with everyone. I don’t think there’s a member of the family who would not get along with him — he’s just Mike.”
