Can you tell us a bit about the protocol behind an everyday royal excursion in a car?
Royals never go out alone as they always have their security with them. When they’re going to engagements, they always have their security team with them in surrounding cars. The royals will always work in the back of the car, especially the King, who is always working, so staff will set up the back seat with his papers and anything else he needs. When the cars arrive, the chauffeur will get out and open the doors so the royals can step out.
Photo credit: Vikki Bruce
There is royal etiquette for how to get out of the car, especially when it comes to the royal ladies. They have to be very graceful, and it’s a bit of a skill. They tend to keep their legs together and swing them around, and just use their hands on the seat to push themselves up. That’s what they’re taught to do. You have to remember they are being photographed constantly at royal engagements, so they need to make sure everything is correct. It is a real skill, I wear a kilt, so I know first-hand how tricky it can be!
Did the royals mix up their vehicles to avoid detection?
No. The royals have their own cars, which they use regularly. The King has an Aston Martin, a Defender and a Bentley, as well as some others in the royal fleet. But he sticks to those, really.
What is your fondest memory in a car with a royal?
There was a funny moment when we arrived at one of the houses. One of the other butlers was driving, and there were four of us in the car. The now-King was standing at the side of the road, so we all bowed, as is protocol. However, as we were all in the car, it looked like there was no one in it, as we had all buckled forward to bow. The King actually came over to the house afterwards and asked what happened, saying he saw a car driving past with nobody sitting in it! That was really funny.
How do you think vehicular etiquette has evolved in recent years?
The royals’ etiquette around cars has really changed over the years. It’s not unusual to see the younger royals, like Kate, Meghan, William and Harry, opening and closing their doors without any assistance. At one time, this would have been unheard of. You never would have seen the late Queen opening her door at public events. Of course, she did it in private, but never at official engagements. It sounds like a little thing, but it’s very interesting in terms of an example of how the Royal Family is evolving and becoming less formal.
Photo credit: Anna Philips
What did you love most about working for the royals?
I loved just getting to know them. They’re some of the most famous people in the world, so getting to see them when they’re in their own homes and ‘off-duty’ was a real privilege. Getting to spend time with them and to travel with them was great. It was an amazing experience. Very few people get to experience that. Getting to spend time with Queen Elizabeth was so special and something I really treasure.
If it’s not too indiscreet a question, did you have a favourite at The Firm?
The late Queen, Elizabeth II. I grew up admiring and respecting her. It was a fairytale dream come true to meet her, spend time with her, talk to her, and, on one occasion, even dance with her at a ball. But I also adored my boss, Prince Charles, now King Charles. He was so kind and caring, with a great sense of humour. And now Queen Camilla as well, she’s a fantastic woman.
Photo credit: Paul Burns
What has been your proudest moment so far?
Working for the Royal Family is my proudest accomplishment. I’ve worked as a butler for many great households, but to serve the late Queen and the King was incredible. Plus, working with Prince William, who will one day become our King. I also really enjoyed writing my memoir last year and sharing my stories with people who love the Royal Family.
Can you share any of your ambitions for the future?
I would love to have my own TV show one day. I think that would be really good fun.
Photo credit: Jack Stooks
