Known for her approachable demeanor, the Princess of Wales never fails to charm at official events.
While Kate Middleton often teases Prince William in public with her playful humor, those who know her behind the scenes say she is just as genuine and kind in private.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold recalled her warm personality, explaining that she often popped into the kitchen to chat with staff whenever she visited. “She never saw herself better than anyone else,” he said, describing her as down-to-earth and approachable.
“She’s a Nice Girl, and a Bit of a Joker”
Speaking to The Mirror, Harrold described the Princess as easygoing and authentic. “She’s very easy going. What you see is what you get with her; she has a lovely way about her. She’s a nice girl, she is also a bit of a joker as well, and she’s got a sense of humor. It’s a royal cavalcade with her.”
He recalled moments at Highgrove House when Kate would greet staff before heading into the main house. “When she used to arrive, she’d come in the kitchen and have a catch-up with us. She would go into the house, but she’d come in and see us first and then go into the house, which I thought was quite nice.”
A Romantic Memory of William and Kate
Harrold, who worked as a butler for King Charles from 2004 to 2011, is preparing to release his book The Royal Butler: My remarkable life of royal service. Among his fondest memories was helping with a private Valentine’s dinner for William and Kate.
“It was just the two of them. It was really nice, quite special actually. Even though it was a romantic dinner for them, they very much interacted with me throughout,” he revealed. Reflecting on their journey, he added, “I remember when they were these late teenagers, early 20s, now they’re like me in their 40s. So, it’s so weird to see so many changes, it’s amazing.”
The Royals’ Hidden Sense of Humor
Harrold also spoke to InStyle about the royal family’s lively sense of humor. “Everyone over the years has talked about the issues, the problems, the bullying, or upsets, or this or that. I’m thinking, ‘What the hell? Why are they not talking about the 95 percent of the time we’re all killing ourselves laughing, we’re playing silly jokes at each other.’”
He emphasized their work ethic too, noting especially King Charles. “He’d go to bed after me, and he’d still be working. He’d be up even before me.”
William and Kate’s Shared Humor
Alongside her warmth, Kate is also known for her wit. Royal biographer Christopher Anderson once explained to Fox News that humor is central to William and Kate’s bond. “William once described Kate’s sense of humor as ‘naughty’ and his own as ‘dirty,’ and claimed that it was one of the most important things that drew them together.”
Anderson added that while the couple has toned things down since having children, “they can still make each other double over laughing.”