King Charles' former butler warns of 'big red flag' after royal's 'unusual' arrangement

A former butler to King Charles has disclosed the significant errors that can ruin romantic moments such as Valentine's Day. Grant Harrold, who served the monarch between 2004 and 2011, has overseen numerous royal dining occasions.

Familiar with the highest standards of etiquette, the ex butler understands precisely what's required to establish the ideal romantic atmosphere.

Offering his perspective on Valentine's Day, Grant suggested one of the most substantial mistakes individuals make is simply overlooking the occasion.

"So many people forget, or leave it to the last minute, so they don't have enough time to do something special or meaningful," 

"You need to think ahead so you can make sure you make a proper effort.", 

In Grant's view, not dressing appropriately also represents a "big red flag" during a romantic event.

Whether it's a first date or an established relationship, he stated: "They should be trying to impress you, not just throwing on whatever they had on yesterday.

"The other big mistake people make is not taking their date somewhere appropriate. It's important to put the effort in when finding the perfect place - and that doesn't just mean the most expensive."

For individuals still getting to know their romantic interest, Grant says it's crucial to know their dietary requirements if dinner is on the cards.

"If it's a first date, have they dropped any hints about their favourite type of food? Is there anything they hate? Also, check if they're vegetarian before booking a steak restaurant," he continued.

While we exist in an era where photographing meals prior to eating has become commonplace, Grant maintains this practice ought to be excluded from intimate dinners.

"No phones at the table," he emphasised. "You need to make sure it stays romantic. Some people get so carried away with Valentine's Day social media posts - you see it all the time.

"They've got their phones at the table so they can take pictures - but it's so important to give the person you're spending it with your full attention.

"Put your phone away. You're not on a date with your phone - you're on a date with the person you love, or with someone you're trying to impress," he continued. "Make sure they know they are your main priority in that moment."

Grant, who's also written The Royal Butler: My Remarkable Life of Royal Service, attended to Charles and fellow members of the Royal Family at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire.

Previously giving an insight into the monarch's culinary tastes, he disclosed: "He champions both traditional and modern food. He loves vegetables and has a vegetable garden at Highgrove. Vegetables are always on the menu.

"If he's having a snack, he's not going to be sitting there with a packet of crisps."

Last year, Charles reportedly treated Queen Camilla to a Valentine's dinner - although not in the conventional, romantic fashion.

According to Hello! magazine, the couple, who celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary in April, were accompanied by 10 of their nearest and dearest.

"It was a quiet dinner for close friends - about 12 in all. The King and Queen then spent the whole weekend in Windsor, which is quite unusual," a source revealed to the publication.