A former British royal butler has brought to light a surprising speculation about the Royal Family: during the brief split between Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2007, Prince Harry could have had a romance with the current Princess of Wales. Grant Harrold, who worked for the royals, revealed in an interview with Us Weekly on September 6, 2025, that the closeness between Harry and Kate during that period led him to imagine a possible affair. The statement reignites curiosity about the behind-the-scenes of the British monarchy, one of the most followed topics worldwide. The comment, made ahead of the launch of his book, The Royal Butler, on September 23, details the dynamic between the three, who were very close at the time, before the family tensions that marked Harry’s trajectory. The news explores a delicate moment in William and Kate’s love story, now seen as one of the most solid couples in the monarchy.
Harrold’s revelation didn’t come without context. Having served the Royal Family for years, he closely observed interactions at Kensington Palace. The split between William and Kate, though temporary, was a milestone in the couple’s life, who began dating at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland in the early 2000s. After the breakup, Kate and Harry maintained a close friendship, fueling the butler’s theory.
- Key moments of the period: William and Kate split in 2007 after years of dating.
- Closeness with Harry: Kate and the younger royal were described as “best friends.”
- Harrold’s reaction: He admitted he wouldn’t be surprised by a romance between the two.
Dynamic between Harry and Kate Middleton
The relationship between Harry and Kate Middleton was marked by genuine friendship, according to Grant Harrold’s accounts. During the period when William and Kate were apart, Harry, known for his charisma and closeness with his brother’s then-girlfriend, became a support figure for Kate. “They got along so well that I thought they might end up together,” Harrold stated. This closeness, he said, was evident in social events and interactions at the palace, where Kate was seen as a charismatic presence admired by Harry.
The former butler emphasized that the chemistry between the two was no secret to those around the royals at the time. Harry, in his 20s, was single and known for his laid-back personality, while Kate, newly single, dealt with the public exposure of the breakup. Harrold reiterated that their friendship was so strong that a possible romantic interest from Harry wouldn’t be surprising. “I wouldn’t doubt that Harry thought, ‘She’s a beautiful girl, my brother didn’t want her,’” he said.
Despite the speculation, the romance never happened. William and Kate reconciled months later in 2007, announced their engagement in 2010, and married in 2011. Harrold’s theory, however, sheds light on a lesser-explored period in the lives of the three, before the tensions that marked the brothers’ relationship years later.
William and Kate’s 2007 breakup
The brief split between William and Kate in 2007 was one of the most talked-about moments in the couple’s journey. After years of dating, the decision to part ways came amid personal and public pressures. William, then 25, was focused on his military career, while Kate faced constant scrutiny from the British media. The breakup lasted a few months, with the two maintaining sporadic contact.
- Reasons for the split: Public life pressures and William’s professional commitments.
- Impact on Kate: She described the period as challenging but one of personal growth.
- Reunion: The couple reconciled after social events and conversations that rekindled the relationship.
- Marriage: The reconciliation led to an engagement in 2010 and marriage in 2011.
Kate, in a 2010 interview, reflected on the period: “I wasn’t happy at the time, but it made me stronger.” She highlighted that the time alone helped her discover more about herself, though it was painful. William, in turn, admitted that both needed space to mature. The reconciliation strengthened their relationship, now seen as a pillar of the modern monarchy.
Harry’s estrangement and the new family dynamic
The relationship between Harry, William, and Kate changed drastically in the following years. When Harry began dating Meghan Markle in 2016, the dynamic at Kensington Palace started to shift. Harry and Meghan’s marriage in 2018 and their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020 marked a definitive break with the family. Harry, now living in the United States, exposed disagreements with William and other royals in his autobiography, Spare, and in documentaries with Meghan.
The closeness Harrold described between Harry and Kate seems distant today. Sources close to the royals indicate that Kate, now Princess of Wales, is focused on her royal duties and family, with three children: George, Charlotte, and Louis. Harry, meanwhile, has built a new life with Meghan and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, far from the UK.
- Shift in bonds: The friendship between Harry and Kate cooled after his marriage to Meghan.
- Public tensions: Harry’s statements in interviews intensified the estrangement.
- Life in the US: Harry and Meghan prioritize philanthropic and media projects.
Behind the scenes of the royals through Harrold’s eyes
Grant Harrold, who served the royals for over a decade, offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of Kensington Palace in his book. His experience as a butler placed him in direct contact with William, Kate, and Harry, allowing detailed observations of their personalities and interactions. The book The Royal Butler, set for release on September 23, 2025, promises more revelations about the monarchy, including details about the period when Harry and Kate were close.
Harrold emphasized that his theory about a possible romance does not diminish his respect for William and Kate. He described the couple as “destined” to be together, noting that their reconciliation was a milestone in their story. Still, his memories reignite interest in a lesser-known chapter of the royals, when personal relationships were in flux.
Legacy of a lost friendship
The closeness between Harry and Kate, so noted by Harrold, reflects an era when the two brothers and the future princess formed an inseparable trio at public events. Photos from 2010 and 2011 show the three laughing together, sharing moments of lightness. Today, with the geographical and emotional distance between Harry and the family, those memories have taken on a nostalgic tone.
Harrold’s speculation, though never confirmed, fuels curiosity about how the royal story could have been different. Kate, now a central figure in the monarchy, is admired for her elegant demeanor and dedication to social causes. Harry, on the other hand, follows an independent path but faces the weight of a seemingly irreversible family rift.
- Notable events: Harry and Kate shared stages at charity events until 2018.
- Shift in focus: Kate prioritizes mental health and education; Harry focuses on global philanthropy.
- Nostalgia: Their friendship is remembered as a symbol of simpler times.