Giving a gift to King Charles III may seem like a monumental task. Many believe that, being part of one of the most famous and wealthy monarchies in the world, he must already have everything he desires.
However, the 76-year-old monarch has his own take on what he likes to receive.
What is the worst gift for King Charles?
Grant Harrold, who was his butler, took it upon himself to answer this question in an interview with The Mirror.
According to Harrold, the king does not like extravagant and expensive gifts. In fact, he would be uncomfortable receiving anything worth a fortune. The former monarchy worker claims that the king would say the gift is precious, but that it should not have been given to him, Harrold explains plainly.
While working in the British Royal Household, Harrold confesses that the king would opt for more affordable gifts with a more personal touch that would please both Charles III and Queen Camilla.
He details that at Christmas, he used to give her books on Victorian gardening or products that had honey in them, because the king is very fond of honey.
It is interesting to think that, when imagining royals, many assume that they only shop in luxurious and exclusive boutiques.
However, Harrold surprises by stating that this is not necessarily true.
He explains that while people may assume that royals only shop at the fanciest stores, they actually go to the same stores as ordinary people.
However, he clarifies that it doesn’t mean they do occasionally go to stores like Harrods.
In fact, the late Queen Elizabeth is said to have done some Christmas shopping there with her cousin, the Duchess of Kent, in the 1950s.
However, they often preferred village stores, such as in Ballater, near Balmoral. The royals also enjoy bargains, says the former butler.
Duncan Larcombe, an expert on the Royal Household, supports this idea and reveals that there is a kind of unwritten rule that indicates that no flashy or overpriced gifts should be given to royals.
On the contrary, the cheaper and quirkier the gifts, the better. This tendency, according to Larcombe, was followed to the letter by Princess Diana.
For a gift for the king, it might be best to opt for something simple and authentic, such as a good book on gardening or a jar of honey. Sometimes the simplest gifts are the ones that really count.