Prince Harry’s aide accidentally called him ‘mate’ – and he had surprise three-word reaction

Prince Harry gave a surprising three-word reply when an aide accidentally called him “mate”, a royal book has revealed.

Since moving to the US four years ago, both he and wife Meghan Markle have earned a reputation for having a high staff turnover at their Archewell organisation. And in recent days a war of words has broken out with some being highly critical of the couple while working for them, while other saying they have only had positive experiences.

However, in a book released several years ago, two of Harry’s former aides who worked with him while he was still a working royal spoke out. The book called Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown, by Valentine Low, examines the roles of those who work for the Royal Household and how they help to shape the monarchy. It also looks at the relationships between the royals and their staff and in one section reveals the “subtle variations” between what those working for the royals call their principals.

According to the book, King Charles’ staff at Clarence House would use formal greetings such as “Your Royal Highness” (before he ascended to the throne) and “Sir”. However, one former press secretary at Kensington Palace Nick Loughran revealed he would be less formal when he was working for Prince William and Harry. While another, Ed Perkins, told how he once got a surprising reply from Harry after making a mishap when addressing him via text.

The book reads: “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’. 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.’”