Former employees of Buckingham Palace have painted a stark contrast between King Charles and his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, describing the monarch as diligent and equitable while characterising Mr Mountbatten-Windsor as "entitled" and "boorish".
Ex-staff members have offered rare glimpses into life within the royal household as the institution continues to face scrutiny over Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor faced arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, though he was subsequently released. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Despite the controversies, former staff described their time at the Palace as "surreal" and "fun", albeit with relatively modest wages and canteen fare reminiscent of school dinners.
Ex-Royal Family employees explain differences in working for King Charles and Andrew
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Dickie Arbiter, who served as press secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth II from 1988 to 2000, likened the experience to office work surrounded by priceless artwork.
"You're essentially working in an office; there just so happens to be fairly valuable paintings on the walls," he told The i Paper.
Mr Arbiter, who worked directly with Charles and Diana for several years, found the role "exciting" whilst cautioning against letting it "go to your head".
He recalled Charles as "good to work for, he was fair to work for", noting the then heir apparent frequently worked late into the evening.
Dickie Arbiter pictured on a previous appearance on GB News
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Diana also left a lasting impression, organising a 50th birthday celebration for Mr Arbiter. "That was the sort of person she was."
Regarding Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, the former press secretary was less complimentary, calling him "arrogant and entitled".
Dai Davies, who led Scotland Yard's Royal Protection Command between 1994 and 1998, shared similarly unflattering recollections of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, describing him as "rude and dismissive".
The former police chief recounted an incident where the disgraced royal telephoned regarding a security matter and insisted on speaking to someone more senior.
Dai Davies during a previous appearance on GB News
| GB NEWSMr Davies informed him that this was impossible as he himself headed the security operation, adding: "I found him boorish and ignorant."
Other royals treated him quite differently. "I found other members perfectly pleasant," he said. "I was treated with civility. Charles was polite."
Diana made a particular impression on the security chief. "Diana, I liked her very much. When I started, she said to me: 'You poor man, do you know what you've taken on?'"
Martin Higgins, who served as a butler at the Palace from 1990 to 1994, holds cherished memories of his time with the royals.
Beginning as an under butler in the silver pantry at just 21, Mr Higgins found the late Queen and Prince Philip possessed "a great sense of humour", whilst Princess Anne "was always very charming and down to earth".
Mr Arbiter worked directly with Charles and Diana for several years
| GETTY"They understood that they relied on us, as we relied on them, so there's mutual respect," he explained.
Mr Higgins described his Palace tenure as "a dream come true", highlighting the "fun and camaraderie among staff".
According to the latest Sovereign Grant report, 539 full-time equivalent staff now work for the royals, rising from 523 the previous year.
Entry-level positions pay £23,500, whilst the King's private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, earns between £230,000 and £235,000. Median pay sits at £34,800.
GB News has contacted Mr Mountbatten-Windsor for comment.