Former royal butler says Harry could 'destroy' monarchy: new doc

Prince Harry could well have lobbed a "time bomb" that brings down the entire monarchy, one royal insider warned.  In the explosive new documentary "King Charles: The Boy Who Walked Alone," premiering May 2 on Paramount+, several insiders -- including ex-girlfriends and private staff -- spill new secrets about King Charles and the rest of the royal family ahead of the coronation on May 6. Grant Harrold, a royal butler from 2004-2011, appears in the documentary to share his perspective on Harry's recent behavior.

The prince recently spoken out against the monarchy in his Netflix documentary "Harry & Meghan" and in his controversial memoir "Spare."  "At this point in time, there's been polls done and the monarchy's popularity has dropped," Harrold said.  "Charles, his popularity has dropped, Will and Kate's popularity has dropped, Harry's popularity has dropped. What does that say for the future of it? I don't think Harry realizes that maybe he started a time bomb, which could actually be the catalyst to actually destroying the monarchy," Harrold cautioned.

Based off of his own personal experience and observations from his time with the family, Harrold also voiced skepticism about Harry's allegation of getting into a physical brawl with William, which Harry detailed in his book. 

King Charles and Prince Harry sitting next to each other at a table at a banquet. King Charles (left) and Prince Harry.AP Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry in 2017, walking in a line on the sidewalk looking serious. Queen Consort Camilla (from left), King Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry in 2017.Getty Images Prince Harry and Prince William standing next to each other in military uniforms. Prince Harry (left) and his brother, Prince William, in 2018.Getty Images

"In all the years I was there, I didn't witness fallouts [between William and Harry], I didn't witness shouting. They were a happy family," said Harrold.  "So, that bit [as described in "Spare"] doesn't add up.

I don't know what's made [Harry] change so much. I look at him, and I just -- something has happened. Something has changed him and made him very different."

The implication is that Meghan Markle has changed Prince Harry, although Harrold did not say that outright. Royal insider Petronella Wyatt, a journalist and friend to Camilla Parker Bowles, spoke more bluntly in the documentary: "[Harry] was very close to his brother and he loved Kate. He's changed a great deal.

And it's been since he married Meghan. So, draw the conclusion that you want."

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry smiling. Insiders say that Prince Harry has "changed" after meeting Meghan Markle.REUTERS Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry whispering together. Prince Harry with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.Getty Images King Charles, Queen Consort Camilla, and Queen Elizabeth II standing together smiling. King Charles (from left), Queen Consort Camilla and Queen Elizabeth II want to "preserve" the monarchy, while Prince Harry is a "time bomb" that could destroy it, says one insider.Getty Images

According to Harrold, Harry's blabbermouth behavior is the main cause of the rift with his father. "The one thing about Charles is that he's very protective of the monarchy and he wants to ensure that it continues, like his mother did," he said. 

"So if he feels that his son is going to damage or effect it, he has to make the decision, 'Do I support my son or do I support the monarchy?' He will support the monarchy." 

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