King Charles participates in playful April Fools' Day pranks with staff

King Charles has a well-documented fondness for lighthearted mischief, particularly during the festive atmosphere of April Fools' Day. Former royal butler Grant Harrold, who served the monarch between 2004 and 2011, recently shared a vivid memory of the King's participation in a household prank.

Speaking to Heart Bingo Online, Harrold recounted a specific incident involving the head gardener. "I remember the head gardener was going out for a walk with King Charles, and the joke was the King wanted us to give him a rucksack full of stones," the former butler explained.

The plan involved more than just weight; the backpack was also rigged with antlers that protruded from the top.

The King met the gardener at the rear of the house to begin their excursion, fully aware of the secret contents. "The King is involved in this joke... and I promise you, if you'd seen it, you couldn't stop laughing. It was ridiculous. The way the antlers were positioned was literally at the top of his head," Harrold noted.

After walking "for quite a distance" under the increasing weight of the stones, the gardener "was really struggling" to maintain the pace.

Eventually, the unsuspecting staff member had reached his limit, reportedly exclaiming, "Oh, for God's sake, take that thing off." This playful side of the monarch highlights the warm, informal relationships he often maintains with his long-serving employees behind closed doors.

Harrold frequently shares insights into his seven-year tenure at Highgrove, where he observed the King's personal hobbies. Looking forward, the royal household is preparing for several summer garden parties scheduled across the 2026 season.