Prince Harry’s immediate three-word response when aide accidentally called him ‘mate’
Prince Harry’s aide immediately realised his mistake, and according to a book, texted the Duke of Sussex to apologise for his oversight. Prince Harry surprised his aide with a simple three-word response upon being referred to as “mate” by accident, as shared in a revealing Royal book. Prior to tying the knot with Meghan Markle in 2018, Prince William and Harry shared many of their staff whilst residing at Kensington Palace.
Their office was notably less formal than their father’s, King Charles, where he was still addressed as Prince of Wales and greeted with Your Royal Highness or Sir. Ex-press secretary at Kensington Palace, Nick Loughran would adopt an informal attitude while working for the princes. Ed Perkins shares how during a slight faux pas whilst addressing Harry via text, he received quite the unexpected reply from the prince. The story is recounted in Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown, penned by Valentine Low.
The book throws light on those who serve the Royal Household, the influence they wield over the monarchy, and elaborates on the intricate relationships between the royals and their staff, illuminating the “subtle variations” among what those serving the royals call their principals. The book reveals: “When Nick Loughran worked at Kensington Palace as a press secretary, he would call Harry by his first name, but tended to be more formal with Prince William because their relationship was not so close.
“Ed Perkins, who also had a spell as press secretary for the two princes, once accidentally sent a text to Harry saying, ‘Hello mate’, reports the Mirror. “He recalled: ‘I texted back saying, ‘So sorry, just called you mate. I didn’t mean to.’ [Harry] wrote back saying, ‘Please don’t worry.'” The explosive new book, first published in 2022, provides an unprecedented insight into life behind palace walls as Harry and Meghan Markle decided to step down from Royal duties.
Among the shocking revelations are Harry’s fear of becoming “irrelevant” and a rejected attempt by William to mend bridges. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from Royal duties in 2020 and relocated to the United States, where they have been vocal about their experiences within The Firm.
The book also delves into the impact of the Sussexes’ rift with other Royal Family members on the monarchy, suggesting that Harry’s presence in the UK at the time of the Queen’s death was merely coincidental due to his charity work. The book further reveals Meghan’s discontent with performing walkabouts during a Royal tour of Australia and an incident where the Queen reprimanded Harry for his “rude” behaviour.
