King Charles's ex-butler reveals how the royal family take their tea - and the addition they NEVER make

A former royal butler has revealed the how members of the Royal Family take their tea - with some enjoying the beverage in a surprisingly ordinary way. Grant Harrold was a personal butler for King Charles at his private residence Highgrove for more than six years.

From 2004 to 2011, he also served Queen Camilla, Princes Harry and William and Kate, learning their eating and drinking habits. Tea is a staple in many British households, with the Royal Family being no exception - as Mr Harrold revealed they are served tea and coffee six times throughout the day.

He said each member of the Firm enjoys their cup of tea with different crockery. While the King enjoys a civilised brew in a cup and saucer, the Princess of Wales prefers using a humble mug like much of the nation. 'If you're being entertained in the presence of the Royal Family or at one of their homes, it's most likely you will drink out of a teacup and saucer.

'But it depends on which royals are present. If you're in the kitchen with Princess Anne or Kate and William during a less formal visit, you can be sure you'll be given a mug,' Mr Harrold told Coffee Friend, as quoted in Gloucestershire Live. A former royal butler revealed that the Princess of Wales enjoys her brew in a humble mug.

King Charles enjoys his beverage in a more civilised cup and saucer which is more traditional and formal. Grant Harrold was a personal butler for King Charles at his personal residence Highgrove for more than six years. 'But if you're with the King (or were with the late Queen), and it's more of an occasion, you'll probably be served tea or coffee in a cup and saucer or a demi cup.'.

Mr Harrold added that the royals enjoy stronger cups of tea and so will allow time for it to steep properly. While some may enjoy a teaspoon or two of sugar in their brew, Charles is said to stay away from sugar or sweeteners. Mr Harrold said that he instead adds honey to his cup of coffee to sweeten it up instead.

'We used to offer all members of the Royal family the choice to have sugar or sweeteners - but I must say, I have never seen the Queen or anyone indulge in sugar when having their coffee or tea,' he added. Charles - who reportedly often works until late - will often have three to four cups of tea a day, however is offered to him regularly in case he wants more.

Mr Harrold also said that other than Earl Grey, a Chinese or Indian tea will also be on offer, such as Assam. Teabags are also rarely used, with the royals preferring to use more traditional leaves instead. Grant Harrold said he never saw the late Queen have any sugar or sweeteners with her tea.

However, your cup won't be replaced once you finish with your drink. Instead, they will likely take the cup away to wash it before refilling the tea. However, if you're having a pot of tea and you finish your cup, it will just be filled up again and not washed.

Other former staff have previously said that Charles also wants his tea to be brewed with a thermometer. Evan Samson, the former hospitality manager at Dumfries House - Charles's cultural institute in the Scottish borders - said it differs with each beverage.