King Charles’ biggest Christmas pet peeve revealed

Ex-Royal butler shares what King Charles loves and loathes

King Charles has a clear preference when it comes to Christmas gifts, according to former royal butler Grant Harrold.

While the 76-year-old monarch is preparing to spend the festive season at Sandringham with his family, Harrold has shed light on what presents the King truly values—and what to avoid.

“His Majesty dislikes receiving anything extravagant or expensive,” Harrold revealed, noting that such gestures would leave the King feeling uncomfortable.

“He’d be embarrassed if you spent a fortune on him. He’d likely say, That’s lovely, but you really shouldn’t have.”

Instead, Charles appreciates thoughtful, meaningful gifts with a personal touch. Harrold, who worked closely with the royal family, shared his own go-to presents for the King.

“I would give him books on Victorian gardening or honey-based products because I know how much he loves honey,” he explained.

The tradition of exchanging modest and meaningful gifts is a hallmark of royal celebrations, reflecting a focus on sentiment over extravagance—a custom cherished by King Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth II alike.

When it comes to holiday shopping, the Royal Family’s habits might surprise you. Former royal butler Grant Harrold recently revealed that the royals, including King Charles, don’t exclusively frequent high-end stores.

“Everyone assumes the royals only shop in the poshest places, but they go to the same shops as we do,” Harrold shared.

While iconic stores like Harrods occasionally make the list—the late Queen Elizabeth II was even rumored to have shopped there with her cousin, the Duchess of Kent, in the 1950s—there’s a more down-to-earth side to their shopping habits.

“The Queen would often pop into her local shops in Ballater village near Balmoral,” he added. “The royals enjoy a bargain just like the rest of us.”