Royal butler remembers Prince Harry ‘broke up fights’ at parties and was ‘total gent’

Prince Harry is planning to celebrate his 40th birthday with a low-key family event – followed by a wild mountain trek with friends, according to reports. It’s still a far cry from when he was known as the ‘partying prince’, with his wild antics including playing pool naked in Las Vegas and going as a Nazi to a fancy dress event.

However as his September 15 birthday comes close, a royal butler has explained what Harry was really like back in the day – and how he used to break up fights at shindigs. Speaking on behalf of Slingo, former royal butler Grant Harrold – who worked as King Charles ’ personal butler between 2004 and 2011 – insists Harry was more of a peacemaker than a party animal at the legendary royal bashes he catered for.

In fact, Grant reveals the sweet gesture Harry displayed when one of his friends caused a nasty mess on the carpets at King Charles’ Sandringham estate. Mr Harrold said: “I know Harry loved parties but he had a big heart and was actually a total gentleman at every celebration I worked at. He would ensure everyone was catered for and if arguments broke out, he was the peacemaker.

“I know he loved to let his hair down but he wasn’t a reckless party animal from what I saw. In fact, I remember after one party at Sandringham, he came down to the kitchen and asked if he could have some cleaning supplies. When I pushed him further, he admitted one of his friend’s dogs had been sick over the carpets. I tried to help him clean it but he was determined to do it himself. That was the sort of person he was.”

And he revealed how the Prince was touched by his 21st birthday present: “Harry was a big fan of bangles when he was younger so for his 21st, I gifted him a silver bangle. He was touched when he opened it and I think he even gave me a hug. It didn’t matter that he was a member of the royal family and seemingly had access to anything and everything he wanted. He was still so grounded and appreciative of every gesture of kindness.”

It was reported that the Duke of Sussex is this year planning to journey into the Californian mountains alongside his nearest and dearest pals. Prince Harry intends to ascend Montecito peak, situated on the Cold Spring Trail in California, not far from his home with Meghan and their two young children, Prince Archie, aged 5, and Princess Lilibet, aged 3.

A source shared: “The Cold Spring Trail has lots of streams and pools which people regularly take a dip in.” Yet they cautioned, “But there are also lots of snakes and other wildlife to contend with, like large cats.”