Expert lifts the lid on the royals’ ties to Australia
Why King Charles is keen to ‘keep close’ to country and Zara Tindall’s ‘special connection’ to ‘second home’
Former royal butler shares his insights into the close connections to Down Under
Former royal butler Grant Harrold has opened up about the importance of Australia to the royals – including why Zara and Mike Tindall refer to the country as their ‘second home’.
Speaking exclusively to Joe Fortune, the former butler – who previously worked for King Charles and Queen Camilla – explains how the married couple hold a special place for Australia, but doesn’t believe Zara and Mike would relocate there full-time for one key reason.
Grant also shares his thoughts on King Charles’ connection to Australia, revealing how the current monarch is keen to ‘keep close’ to the country as Head of State.
Speaking to Joe Fortune, former royal butler Grant Harrold shares:
What links do the Royal Family have with Australia?
“Charles spent six months in Australia when he was a 17 year old prince. Prince Harry spent time there during his gap year. They’ve always had this association with Australia. They’ve just got a fondness of the country, and I’ve been there several times and it’s beautiful.”
How important is it for the royals to keep close links to the country?
“The reason it’s important to the Royal Family is more to do with the fact that I think they feel an obligation. It’s 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.”
Are there any standout Australian engagements that the royals have made over the years?
“William and Kate went to Australia and New Zealand in 2014. I know that Prince William did one in 2010 and I remember there was a lot of hype about it because he was on his own. That was one of his first official big tours.”
King Charles has been invited to attend the 150th anniversary Test between England and Australia in Melbourne next year – is it likely he’ll go?
“If you were asking me that five years ago, I’d say yes. He hasn’t been to Australia for a long time, but it’s a long way to go. If he’s able to and it comes up, I have no doubt that he would agree to do it. I think there’s just a lot of caution at the moment as to what he’s able to do. He seems to be doing an amazing job currently.”
Zara and Mike Tindall met at a bar in Sydney back in 2003 – would you say it’s an important place for them?
“It’s just like the late Queen and Prince Philip used to go back to Malta, because that’s where they had a special time there. King Charles and the present Queen love going up to Scotland because they’ve got a lot of special memories.
“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.”
Do you think they could actually ever relocate to Australia?
“While they love the country, I don’t think they would move there officially. Princess Anne adores Zara. Anne is happy for her to do trips to Australia. They’ve got a great relationship with each other. I don’t see them wanting to relocate because I think Zara’s heart’s very much still in this country and with her mum. 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.”
Do you think the Australian lifestyle suits Zara and Mike as a pair?
“It probably does. 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 probably become a second home for them. I know the King is really, really keen to keep the connection with Australia going. Having family members that actually do live there for part of the year is really nice.”
Mike seems to fit in well with the royals – do you think it was an easy adjustment for him?
“He’s 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.”