The Prince and Princess of Wales have embraced social media in a way that has improved relations between the royals and the media, according to their former butler.
Grant Harrold, who worked for King Charles for seven years, told GB News that William and Kate’s visibility online reflects a more modern approach to royal life.
Mr Harrold spoke exclusively at his book launch at The Rubens at the Palace, opposite Buckingham Palace, where he was promoting his memoir, The Royal Butler: My Remarkable Life of Royal Service.
“They’re very visible,” he said. “And the videos – with all the slow motion and everything – show how into social media they really are.
Prince William and Princess Kate’s online presence shows ‘give and take’ with press
|GETTY
“They’ve obviously got a team to help them run it. But the fact that they’re putting this information out there is their choice. They’re the ones allowing it to happen.”
Mr Harrold suggested that William and Kate’s strategy reflects a “give and take” with the media.
“They also want people to give. So I think it’s a bit of give and take.
“They give a bit, they use the media, and the media uses them. And right now, it seems to be a really good relationship between the Royal Household and the press.”
William and Kate pictured with George, Charlotte and Louis at Trooping the Colour | PAHe said this approach marks a change from earlier years when relations between the monarchy and the media could be more strained.
“I think it’s better now than it’s ever been. And that’s because they’re giving as much as they’re taking.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales have built a strong digital presence in recent years, using platforms such as Instagram and YouTube to highlight causes close to them and to share family moments.
Recent posts have included birthday portraits of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, behind-the-scenes clips from engagements, and polished videos supporting their campaigns on mental health and early childhood.
Kate and William to step out together 'whenever possible' as Kensington Palace plans future engagements. | GETTY
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Grant Harrold speaking at his book launch in central London | GB NEWSMr Harrold’s comments highlight how social media has become central to the modern monarchy’s communication strategy, giving the public a more direct connection to the Royal Family while carefully managing their image.
The former butler added that the shift shows how the Royal Family has learned to adapt to the digital age.
He said their willingness to embrace new platforms reflects a monarchy that is “moving with the times.”
For Mr Harrold, the success of William and Kate online demonstrates how tradition and modernity can work side by side.