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Prince William took on a new job recently when he hopped in the editor’s chair to guest-edit an issue of the magazine Country Life.

The Prince of Wales is not the first royal to guest-edit for a major publication. King Charles, Princess Anne, and Queen Camilla have done so before, also for Country Life. And there was Meghan Markle’s highly publicized guest edit in the “Forces for Change” issue of British Vogue in 2019 as well.

Now, someone who used to work for the royals is weighing in on William’s decision to go the guest-editing route too and whether he thinks Prince Harry will want to read the issue.

Grant Harrold was King Charles’ personal butler for seven years. During his time working for the monarch, Harrold’s duties also included those of valet, housekeeper, house manager, and driver. He also looked after Prince William and Prince Harry 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 commentator. He regularly appears on TV offering royal commentary on both current and historic news stories.

Speaking on behalf of OLBG, Harrold told Showbiz Cheat Sheet that when the Prince of Wales said he wanted to create the highest-ever-selling issue, it “showed a very playful side of Prince William. It was, of course, him just making a joke, but it does show the royal family’s competitive side—which is very strong. I remember from my time there that they were always going up against each other, but always in fun ways. This is a key example of a bit of jokey competition in their professional work as well. It’s really fun to see, and I think it comes across as very relatable.” 

On William, including an interview with his wife, the Princess of Wales, Harrold said, “There is no doubt that Kate has always been his number one supporter. She is by his side in everything he does, so I am not surprised she has taken part in the interview. She would be aware that this is a big deal for William and she would also want it to be a success.”

“I have always said that the two of them are the best of friends and the best work team. They are just fantastic—especially when it comes to each other’s work. She knows the star power that a chat with her would bring, and she wanted to give him that support.”

When asked about the prince’s decision to take on serious issues within his edition, the former royal employee opined, “Obviously he always has that playful side, but this is also showing his serious side, focusing on topics he really cares about … This is a chance for him to tackle the big issues—but he is going to do it in his way. Traditionally, the royal family would stay away from certain topics, but I think this is William showing he’s ready to face them full on—which I think is important.”

So does Harrold think the Duke of Sussex will read William’s issue?

“I am sure Harry would be reading it, especially now they’re back in the U.K.,” Harrold said. “If I was his brother I would want to know what he is saying.”

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