Grant Harrold, the former butler to King Charles, has once again stirred controversy within royal circles after being accused of sharing potentially AI-generated images purportedly showing the Prince and Princess of Wales. The 48-year-old, who previously attempted to trademark his 'Royal Butler' moniker, posted a photograph on Instagram claiming it was taken when he first met William and Kate in 2004, calling it 'a true royal love story.' The image, which shows the couple cuddling intimately, was shared by journalist Katie Nicholl, Harrold's co-host on Piers Morgan's new YouTube series Royals Uncensored. However, a well-placed royal source expressed doubts about its authenticity, stating, 'I can see why questions are being asked by others.' Kensington Palace declined to comment.
Background of Grant Harrold
Harrold began working for King Charles (then Prince of Wales) at his Highgrove estate in 2004, the same year William and Kate's relationship became public knowledge during a skiing trip in Switzerland. He was made redundant seven years later and received an undisclosed settlement after alleging unfair dismissal and workplace bullying. Harrold has also worked for William and Kate, as well as the late Queen Elizabeth II. He appeared as a butler in the reality show Country House and has since become a regular royal commentator on television.
Accusations of Fake Images
When contacted, Harrold admitted, 'I did not take or own this image. It's how I remember them in my early years in the Royal Household.' This statement has done little to quell concerns, especially given the rise of AI-generated content. The controversy echoes previous issues Harrold faced, including a failed attempt to trademark his 'Royal Butler' title, which was opposed by the late Queen's legal team and ultimately rejected by the Intellectual Property Office.
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