Ex-royal butler gives a masterclass in etiquette

The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has asked Grant Harrold to give the royal seal of approval to its afternoon tea offering.

Grant, the self-proclaimed ‘Defender of Etiquette’, has been described as Britain’s Etiquette Expert due to his background and teaching on the subject for almost 20 years.

The former butler and member of the royal household of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall based at Highgrove House.

The ex-royal butler gave staff and members of the public an afternoon tea etiquette masterclass covering everything from how to serve the perfect afternoon tea and what should be included to how to dress for the occasion and topics of conversation.

The afternoon tea has been a staple of The Blackpool Tower Ballroom since it opened in 1894.

Over the past five years, afternoon tea has had a resurgence with increasing popularity among young people.

This has led The Blackpool Tower Ballroom to run themed afternoon teas including seasonal offerings as well as a special Father’s Day themed afternoon tea.

Kenny Mew, general manager at The Tower, said: “Afternoon teas prove to be very popular among our visitors to the Ballroom.

“We’ve brought in The Royal Butler today to ensure our offering remains the best it can be. Now we have the royal seal to prove it.

“His advice and guidance will help shape how we serve our afternoon tea going forward.

“It is all part of making sure our guests have the ultimate experience when they visit The Blackpool Tower.”

Airdrie-born Grant, 39, is an etiqueete advisor to various members of the British Royal Family and other notable people and celebrities.

He has also worked for Urs Schwarzenbach and Major Christopher Hanbury on the Ben Alder estate.

Based in Gloucestershire, Harrold runs an etiquette and household consultancy company, Nicholas Veitch Limited.

He also gives talks and demonstrations on afternoon tea etiquette, dinner parties etiquette and similar etiquette events.

Grant was appointed to the position of personal aide to HRH Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia and helps with the day-to-day running of the Royal Household of the princess.